by Laura Gunderson
Directed by Lenny West
Produced by Lynda Gibbs
About the play
Something new from one of America’s most produced and prolific playwrights … It is London, 1619. William Shakespeare is dead and his legacy depends on a circle of devoted writers, actors, and friends. When a botched and hilariously pirated production of Hamlet plays on a nearby stage, they realize the words of their friend and mentor—words that shaped their lives—are soon to be lost forever. This small group of unexpected heroes with no money, no resources, and no experience must come together to—against all odds and in a race against time—collect and compile Shakespeare’s plays into one definitive printed edition. Their translation of words from the stage to the page would forever change theater and literature. This unforgettable true story is a lively, funny, and poignant love letter to theater and to the printed word. Winner of the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award 2018.
The Book of Will is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.
Cast
John Heminges – Steve Mook
Henry Condell – Jon Kieffner
Alice Heminges – Megan Roberts
Rebecca Heminges – Jennifer Bennett
Elizabeth Condell – Stephanie Dillard
Ben Jonson/Francisco – Matt Grimes
Ralph Crane – Donald Seitz
William Jaggard – Woody Woodruff
Isaac Jaggard/Barman 2 – Nathan Basner
Anne Hathaway Shakespeare – Adele Akin
Richard Burbage/Sir Edward Dering – Roger Csaki
Emilia Bassano Lanier/Susannah Shakespeare & others – Bridget Dunn
Boy Hamlet/Marcus/Marcellus & others – Philip Johnson
Ed Knight/Barman 1/Bernardo & others – Stephan Roselin
Barmaid/Compositor/Horatio & others – Autumn Siebold
Crew
Director – Lenny West
Producer – Lynda Gibbs
Stage Manager – Jeanne Drone
Musical Staging – Christina Sartell
Set Design & Construction Chief – Lili Eubank
Set Construction Crew – Savannah Aiello, Jim Hofstee, Lenny West Sr., Steve Mook, Roger Csaki, Suzanne Freeman
Scenic Artist – Jamie Blakeney
Costume Coordinator – Lenny West
Costume Assistants – Laurel Aiello, Cathie Stamps, Pat Street, Gayle Duncan, Robin Risner, Clay Walker
Properties – Carmela Hofstee, Mark Mason
Properties Assistant – JK Gregg
Lighting Design – Steven Steele
Sound Design – Stephanie Dillard
Light Execution – Daryle Tallent
Sound Execution – Carmela Hofstee
Stagehands – Becky Leopard, Pat Street
Door Coordinator – Matt Grimes
Audition Assistants – Helen Carter, Claudia Finnegan
Program – Becky Leopard
Billboard – Jeremy Hargis
Photography & Lobby Display – Jeanne Drone
House Manager – Iain Macpherson
Door & Concessions – Tom Gregg/JK Gregg
Executive Producer – Carmela Hofstee
