If you had tickets to a cancelled Shakespeare in Love performance and have not been in touch with our Box Office, you can contact us at tickets@peopleslight.org – your options to redeem or donate your tickets are detailed here. Please note that the video was only available to ticketholders until April 12, and we can no longer legally distribute it.
Read on to meet the cast, check out the playbill, and more!
Play synopsis:
In 1593 London, Will Shakespeare has writer’s block. Low on funds and out of ideas, the young playwright finds his muse in Viola de Lesseps, a wealthy merchant’s daughter with dreams of the stage. Despite England’s prohibition on female performers, Viola disguises herself as a man and wins the role of “Romeo” in Shakespeare’s upcoming comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. As Will discovers that his talented leading man is none other than the captivating aristocrat he admired from afar, the two begin a passionate affair that becomes inspiration for a new love story: Romeo and Juliet.
Recommended for ages 13+ due to mild sexual situations and some profanity. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Originally produced on the West End by Disney Theatrical Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions, directed by Declan Donnellan, and designed by Nick Ormerod, with music by Paddy Cunneen.
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"There's romance, comedy, drama... some really exciting swordfights – something for everyone!"Hear from our Shakespeare and Viola (Jaime Maseda & Taysha Marie Canales) and get a sneak preview of the play on NBC10: watch the clip
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"I don’t see the need in 2020 to put on a classical play as a museum piece . . . There is great joy in putting Shakespeare’s words in the mouths of people who were not allowed to say them legally in his own time. That tension feels essential to staging his plays and anything regarding Elizabethan history." -
"[The] marvelous ensemble truly drives the show . . . a cast both skilled and deep.""The production surprised me – in a good way."
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"The cast nearly all play more than one role, and they do so with great energy and purpose . . . great talents [and] chemistry."