The Book of Will
By: Lauren Gunderson
Directed by: Chris Berthelot
Produced by: Allen Contemporary Theatre
Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hours including 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Audio/Visuals to Prepare for: None
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
What do you get when you give seasoned actors an opportunity to bring history to life as their characters struggle to preserve the work of the greatest writer in the English language? A magical evening with Lauren Gunderson’s beautifully crafted The Book of Will, served up by Director Chris Berthelot and company at Allen Contemporary Theatre.
Henry Condell (Robert San Juan) and John Heminges (Anthony Magee) are the surviving members of Shakespeare’s original acting company who struggle to preserve his work after his death. Their efforts led to the 1623 publication of the “First Folio Edition of The Collected Works of William Shakespeare.” San Juan’s Condell is larger than life. By turns he is boisterous and thoughtful, flirtatious and loyal, confident and insecure. Heminges has stepped away from performance to become the company manager. Magee gives him nuance, strength, and depth. The most magical moment for this reviewer comes during a heartfelt conversation about love and loss between the friends. Heminges asks about life, why do we bother? Condell responds with a beautiful statement that could also explain why theatre: “…and every time you’ll feel a flicker or a fountain of feeling that reminds you that yes, you are yet living.”
Janae Hatchett shines as Alice, the daughter of Heminges. It is Alice who actually keeps the project on task, with an ample assist from her mother, Rebecca Heminges (Ivy Opdyke) and Condell’s wife, Elizabeth (Gena Graham). Opdyke and Graham meld traditional support for their spouses with independent self-confidence. The chemistry between both couples is palpable.
Eric Levy shares his considerable talents as Richard Burbage in the opening scenes, getting an opportunity to deliver the Bard’s words in a spell-binding monologue. Robert Dullnig (Ben Johnson) and Erik Knapp (William Jaggard) have fun as villains. Brett Lee (Isaac Jaggard) is the charming son who tries to counterbalance his father’s lack of ethics. Robin Liesenfelt (Emilia Bassano Lanier) makes the most of the opportunity to toy with Condell as a former mistress of Shakespeare and potential financial backer. Condell and Heminges deliver the first printing to Anne Hathaway Shakespeare (Sara Jones) and her daughter, Susanna (Serena Musunza). Jones is a gentle widow, continuing to support her husband’s work. Musunza delivers a moment of opposition before accepting her father’s legacy. Filling multiple roles were Jed Davis, Adam Koch, Brad Echols, and Ken Schwartz.
In addition to directing, Berthelot designed sound, set & props. The complicated & very functional set was built by Bill Wash & Michael Harper. Scenic Painter Reagan Wren made it beautiful. Karen Askew designed costumes, with an assist from Producer Robyn Mead.
The Book of Will continues through October 18th at Allen Contemporary Theatre. Performances are at 8 pm on Fridays & Saturdays and 3 pm on Sundays. Tickets are available through the website AllenContemporaryTheatre.net. Treat yourself!
Interesting side note: One of the remaining copies of the original folio publishing is permanently on display at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas. It is one of an estimated 235 surviving copies from the original print run. This treasure was donated to the Dallas Public Library by the Dallas Shakespeare Club.
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