Shakespeare in Love

November 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 8:00 PM
November 20 at 2:00 PM

Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

The theatrical action of the play is filled with farcical comedy, sword fights, romantic and dramatic scenes mixed with scenes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Performances at the Blackbox Studio theatre will provide audiences with close-to-the-action seating reminiscent of the 16^th C public theatres.

Michael J. Arndt directs with Andrea Heilman designing scenery, Noelle Porter designing period costumes, and Liz Murphy designing lighting.

Junior Kiki Ragland stars as Will Shakespeare with Lia Tracey as Viola and Sacaiah Shaw as Marlowe.

All performances are free but because of limited space, reservations are highly recommended. 

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