A legacy at stake. No money. No experience. No stopping them.
The Book of Will
by Lauren Gunderson
Run Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
2021/22 Season Sponsors
G. Lee & Diana Humphrey
Production sponsored by Joe Richard and René Morrissette
Cast sponsored by Alice Richmond and David Rosenbloom
Director Courtney O’Connor sponsored by Sharon & John Parisi
View the Book of Will Program
Spotify Playlist: The Book of Will
Summary
Seven years after the death of Shakespeare, a small group of unexpected heroes with no money, resources, or experience come together to compile what would become Shakespeare's First Folio. This rapid fire and buoyant play tells the story of those who knew Shakespeare best as they fight to collect 37 of his plays into one volume against all odds. Their translation of words from the stage to the page would forever change theater and literature.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
** Represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE
°Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
Get to know the characters in The Book of Will!
Thank you to our amazing intern Kylie for creating this animated guide to
The Book of Will!
Press & Reviews
METRMag | "The Book of WIll" by Lauren Gunderson - Lyric Stage (Boston, MA.) - Review | Kevin T. Baldwin
"While the concept of the story may, at first glance, seem familiar, the latest Lyric Stage production of "The Book of Will" is, quills down, one of the most gratifying and funniest plays to hit Boston this year."
The Boston Globe | Averting a Shakespeare tragedy in Lyric Stage’s ‘The Book of Will’ | Don Aucoin
"Gunderson has nonetheless performed a service to cultural memory. Life without Shakespeare's works is unimaginable, and she reminds us that we came within an eyelash-and some enterprising actors-of losing them."
The Armenian Weekly | Grace Experience, a literary beauty, in “The Book of Will” | Pauline Gwtzoyan
"Under the direction of Courtney O’Connor, the cast, wonderfully cohesive and clearly enjoying themselves, successfully brings the characters and story to life on an appropriately minimal set. The range of emotions ensues as the story unfolds, thanks to the wonderful performances of all the actors."
Broadway World | BWW Review: THE BOOK OF WILL at Lyric Stage Company of Boston is a Fun Night out at the Theatre | Erik Bailey
"If you're looking for a fun show, THE BOOK OF WILL will not disappoint."
Theater Mirror | Lyric Stage’s Superb ‘The Book of Will’ Takes Us Back to the Time of the Bard | Shelley A. Sackett
"Lest you think this is a play reserved for Shakespeare nerds, think again. Gunderson has infused the script with humor, poetry, pathos and intrigue — ingredients for entertaining theater — as well as factual history."
Artscope | The Book of Will has Lyric Stage Audiences Laughing | James Foritano
"Thanks to playwright Lauren Gunderson’s ingenious invention, implausible, not to say distasteful, characters appear with entirely plausible motives for helping not only Shakespeare’s actor friends but, richly, themselves into the ‘gold’ and fame of this rare bargain."
