The Book of Will February 25 through March 27

08

July
Ralph Crane/ Barman/ Compositor/ Francisco
Alice Heminges/ Susannah Shakespeare
Elizabeth Condell/Anne Hathaway Shakespeare/Fruit Seller/Marcellus
Henry Condell
Richard Burbage/ William Jaggard
Rebecca Heminges/Emilia Bassano Lanier
Ben Jonson/ Barman 2/ Sir Edward Dering/ Horatio
Marcus/ Boy/ Crier/ Bernardo
Ed Knight/ Isaac Jaggard
Understudy: Richard and Ben et al
Understudy: Marcus, Ralph, and Ed et al
Understudy: Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Alice et al
Understudy: Henry and John
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Sound Design
Lighting Design
Production Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Props Artisan
Assistant Director
Assistant Sound Designer
Dialect Coach
Head Electrician
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
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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
 

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.
ACT ONE 
one 
Our show opens with a poorly pirated rendition of Hamlet’s “to be or not to be”  soliloquy. 
two 
Following the performance, Henry Condell, John Heminges, and Richard  Burbage, sit drinking at the Globe Tap-house. The three members of the King’s Men theatre company are served by John’s daughter Alice  Heminges while they discuss the awful performance of Hamlet they just witnessed.  Offended  that such a performance gets to bear the name Hamlet and is attributed to the name Shakespeare,  they discuss what is lost in the piracy of plays. They muse about their accelerating age, the  parts they’ve played, and the friends they’ve lost. It is at this moment that the boy who had been  playing Hamlet enters the bar. Enraged by the lad’s apparent lack of respect for the work, Burbage  confronts him as the boy attempts to perform lines from Hamlet for the bar-goers. Two  barmen can be heard making fun of John as he begins to stutter. Alice reaches her  boiling point, offering the men some choice words and the door,while Burbage, to prove  his worthiness of Shakespeare’s true words, expertly recites selections of Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III,  Caesar, Henry V, Richard II, Lear, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  The scene causes the boy Hamlet and the barmen to exeunt in embarrassment.     
transition from two 
A town crier announces The Globe’s current productions: Hamlet, Volpone, and Twelfth  Night.  
three 
John sits in the tap-room, conducting his managerial duties for the theatre as Henry rushes  in, breathless… Burbage has died. 
four 
John, Henry, and Alice, alongside John’s wife Rebecca Heminges, Henry’s wife Elizabeth Condell, national poet laureate Ben Jonson, script editor Ralph Crane, stage manager Ed Knight, and the boy Hamlet can be seen laying roses in memoriam of Richard Burbage. While the  women discuss their husbands’ devastation over  Burbage’s passage, John, meant to speak  on behalf of the King’s Men, is concerned with his stutter. He calls upon Henry to give the  eulogy and be the voice of the living. Henry speaks fondly of Burbage and is followed at  great length by poet laureate and Shakespeare’s contemporary Ben Jonson.  
five 
Burbage’s friends share a toast at the tap-house. In a drunken stupor, Ben reveals a  fondness for Alice. The affection is  not returned, and Alice is happy to gently humble Ben by comparing him to The Bard himself. An emotionalBen bids the group a drunken goodnight.  Elizabeth and Rebecca speak excitedly of the lady poet Emilia Bassano Lanier, Will’s  mistress. She has dared become a writer herself! As the wives too turn in for the night,  Henry, John, and Alice sit in their sorrow as they come to the realization of just how much of  Will’s work lived largely in Burbage’s mind. They decide to find Will’s remaining written  works to collect in a book as a collection of the Bard’s plays to be published for the public. John and Henry disagree about the practicality and feasibility of this pursuit, but John agrees to  consider the possibility.  
six 
In the back offices of the Globe Theatre, Henry and John loom as stage manager Ed Knight prepares for the day’s performances and Ralph Crane  feverishly copies scripts. Henry and John’s search  for copies of Will’s plays is not off to a great start. A  fire in the Globe’s past, resulting from an ill-advised cannon during a production of Henry  VIII, caused the incineration of all Will’s work kept there. Henry and John  become  discouraged when they discover that  Ed only has copies of five of Will’s plays. They decide to search for the  individual actors sides  and use existing quartos (copies of the  plays written from memory by  other companies for their own use) to help complete some of  what is missing. . Their goal is to preserve the works the way they were intended, as best they  can to prevent the cheap copies used by other companies from being remembered through the  ages. Although John remains skeptical, stating how unreasonable this endeavor is, Henry  reminds him that nothing the King’s Men have ever done has been reasonable, and it must  come down to preservation above all else. John agrees to go around and purchase whatever  pirated Shakespeare plays he can find. While Henry prepares to perform one of the five  completed plays they have, Henry IV
transition from six 
A town crier announces The Globe’s current productions: Othello, Henry IV, and Every Man  in His Humor.  
seven 
Alice, John, and Henry sit at the Globe Tap House, reviewing the materials they have gathered thus far. They’ve been able to locate less than half of the Bard’s plays, and they mourn the loss of the masterpieces they’ve been unable to find. Rebecca appears, having  found some of John’s old acting sides. New pieces of the puzzle! Likewise, Elizabeth has  found sides of Henry’s and has acquired copies of several of Burbage’s old roles… the plan begins to  take shape! Rebecca and Elizabeth begin reciting pieces they’re fond of and it becomes  evident that the group has more resources than they initially thought. Soon , Crane runs in and reveals an extensive personal collection of his favorite Shakespeare pieces, copies kept in secret. As the day’s savior, the group rewards Crane with a promotion to editor of the  collected plays of William Shakespeare. At this moment, Ben Jonson enters the tap house, angry and in possession of an apparently  new, unauthorized collection of Shakespeare, published before the King’s Men can get their hands on enough plays for their own collection. The culprit is William Jaggard, a long-time King’s Men printer. The group decides  to alert the Lord Chamberlain of Jaggard’s illegal printing practices. 
transition from seven 
Rebecca can be seen selling fruits and nuts in the streets of London. 
eight - a dual scene 
In Henry and Elizabeth’s home, Henry announces that Ben was able to halt Jaggard’s  printing because Jaggard  did not have the publication rights. The King’s Men are now free to  compile and publish Will’s book! Elizabeth is concerned about the book’s profitability, and Henry is more worried about the tribute of it all.      
In John and Rebecca’s home, John is concerned he won’t be able to keep up with the trials  and tribulations of publishing this book. He fears he’s letting down his friends with the  impossibility of this task. Despite his financial and time concerns, Rebecca and Alice  convince John to continue the journey towards publication.  
nine 
John, Alice, and Henry are at the Globe Tap-house discussing their troubles finding a printer  when the infamous William Jaggard enters with his son Isaac. Jaggard introduces himself,  offering his services in printing a combination of the works collected by Henry and John  with the plays Jaggard was just shut down for printing. The offer is received with  uproarious anger by the two King’s Men. Jaggard continues to arrogantly remind the men  that they have no rights to the Bard’s plays and that he has united with the men  who do own the play’s rights and has the funds to publish the collection. Jaggard asks if the  King’s Men are willing to join them, but the Jaggards leave without their answer. Isaac  Jaggard returns moments later, revealing himself a fan of the Bard and  ensuring the works will be in good hands with him. Will the King’s Men trust him? 
ten - a triple scene 
Alice runs through town frantically searching for her father, as a performance of Hamlet  goes up at the Globe Theatre. Simultaneously, John and Henry meet with the Shakespeare  syndicate of publishers to make a deal regarding the collection's publication. Act one ends  with John and Henry questioning the motives of the syndicate when a frantic Alice finds them in the street.. 
ACT TWO 
one 
Rebecca is bedridden, and John feels as though he can’t work on the  book with his wife in this condition. They discuss how they soldiered on when they had lost  children. John confides how he took solace at the Globe during his worst days, channeling his  feelings into Will’s words.. But Rebecca is gone, she was never there, and John stands in the Globe, not his home. Henry joins him and tries  to comfort his friend through this  loss. John contemplates why the stories and dramas should matter when life without Rebecca has so little meaning. But the  play’s the thing, isn’t it? It is the thing that keeps these men going. Alice joins them, embracing  John. She also didn’t know where else to go.  
transition from one 
A new fruit seller emerges in the streets of London, taking Rebecca’s place. 
two 
Henry, Elizabeth, Ralph Crane, and Isaac Jaggard gather at the Globe Tap-house where they edit the book. The group discusses which versions of the works should be included in the collection and  if this collaboration may overshadow Shakespeare’s original vision. John and Alice enter  and the group offer their  condolences. As they resume their work on the collection, they  determine the King’s Men are set to have their completed folio within the year. Crane’s  copied plays, several rescued first drafts, a promptbook, an original manuscript, and the  gathered non-sanctioned quartos help to secure thirty-five plays in all.  
transition from two 
Those gathered at the tap-house continue to feverishly work on editing the plays. 
three 
John and Henry enter the Jaggards’ print shop where  printing  of the collection is underway.  Marcus, the head compositor, warns the men about touching the freshly inked pages. William and  Isaac Jaggard enter, announcing that the project must be put on hold. Unfortunately, the  cost is simply too high. As a last-ditch effort to save the project, John decides to turn to Ben  Jonson to drum up publicity for the folio, while Henry chooses to turn to “the dark lady” for additional financing. 
four - a dual scene 
John and Henry wait for their respective saviors. Ben cautiously welcomes John and "the  dark lady" reveals herself. She is Emilia Bassano Lanier, the late Bard's mistress. Henry asks  for her help in preserving Shakespeare's memory. Emilia agrees to aid in funding the  project in reverence and fondness for Will. Across town, Ben is upset that Jaggard is the  publisher, but after some persuasion from John, he agrees to pen the collection's preface. 
transition from four 
The print shop resumes its work. 
five 
As Marcus and another compositor verbally tear apart a portrait of Will meant to be in the  book, Isaac and William Jaggard rush into the shop. They demand that printing be stopped!  They have been unable to obtain the rights for Troilus and Cressida. Once again, Jaggard is attempting to  publish works without owning the rights. Isaac decides to replace the play with  Timon of Athens as a compromise so they can resume printing and informs his father that once he is fully in charge, he will not run the shop as his father did. 
six 
At the Globe Tap-house, Alice reads John and Henry’s dedication … she approves! Ben  Jonson enters, drunk and crying. He has just finished reading all of Shakespeare’s  works to inspire his writing of the preface. Ben has discovered a new appreciation for the Bard, and feels responsible for Will’s death, having been drinking with him the night before he died., In light of all this,Ben has gone ahead and penned a beautiful preface for the collection. Isaac Jaggard  enters, crestfallen - in the end, they were able to get Troilus published in the folio afterall for the  small cost of the book’s dedication to the Earls of Pembroke and Montgomery. Isaac also reveals that his father has passed away in the night.
seven 
John, Henry, and Crane supervise the printers in completing the folio.. Isaac shows off  the newest portrait of  Shakespeare as Alice tosses him an apple, their fondness for one another quite evident.  More printed pages  begin to come together!  As the collaborators assemble, the presses settle, and the book is finished. John and Henry determine that Will’s widow, Anne Hathaway Shakespeare, must see the book, and they depart for Stratford-upon-Avon.   Sir Edward Dering enters the  print shop, having just attended a performance of a Shakespeare play. He orders two copies of the new folio collection. Isaac and Crane are overjoyed by this first sale.  
transition from seven 
A town crier announces this week’s productions at The Globe: King Lear, King John, and  Much Ado About Nothing.  
eight 
John and Henry arrive at  Shakespeare’s home to deliver the  completed book to his widow, Anne.. She is physically aided by her daughter  Susannah as the King’s Men present them with the collection. The two women open the book and are taken aback by Will’s image at the front. Anne asksHenry, John, and  Susannah to read Will’s works aloud for her.  Plays are meant to be performed, after all.
In the light of Shakespeare’s creative genius, the words shine through the ages.
* 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."

Ticket Prices

Single Tickets
Play Center Musical Center Play Side Musical Side
ST Wed Mat $55 $60 $40 $45
ST Weeknight $70 $75 $50 $55
ST Weekend $75 $80 $55 $60
20% Prices for Group Sales
Play C Musical C Play S Musical S
ST Wed Mat $44 $48 $32 $36
ST Weeknight $56 $60 $40 $44
ST Weekend $60 $64 $44 $48

 

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