The Parlour Reading Series returns with the stage adaptation of a modern classic – Shakespeare in Love.

Sign up for auditions!

Auditions: March 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm in the Garden Suite

First Table Read: March 12

Rehearsals: March 24, 26, 31, April 2, 6, 8

Show: April 9

ABOUT THE SHOW

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?

Directed by Drew Boardman

Characters:

WILL SHAKESPEARE – poet and playwright

VIOLA DE LESSEPS – Shakespeare’s muse who disguises herself as actor THOMAS KENT

NURSE – servant to Viola

KIT MARLOWE – colleague, friend, and inspiration

HENSLOWE – owner and manager of the Rose Theatre

FENNYMAN – the money

LAMBERT & FREES – Fennyman’s henchmen

RICHARD BURBAGE – lead actor of the Chamberlain’s Men

MISTRESS QUICKLY – wardrobe mistress

QUEEN ELIZABETH I

EDMUND TILNEY – the Lord Chamberlain

SIR ROBERT DE LESSEPS – Viola’s father

LORD WESSEX – betrothed to Viola

CATLING – guard at De Lesseps Hall

JOHN WEBSTER – street urchin, aspires to be a player

WABASH – novice actor, Henslowe’s stammering tailor

NED ALLEYN – lead actor of the Admiral’s Men, plays Mercutio

SAM – actor, plays Juliet

PETER – actor, plays Tybalt

CHOURS: Musicians, Guards, Waiter, Barman, Actors, Boatman, Tavern Women

RALPH – novice actor, plays Nurse and Petruchio NOL – novice actor, plays Benvolio and Samson ROBIN – novice actor, plays Lady Capulet

ADAM – novice actor, plays Gregory, Benvolio, and Servingman

Want to get involved with the staged reading series? Stay in contact by filling out this form.