About This Production
Young playwright Will Shakespeare is stuck. He is overdue in finishing his latest play—a half-baked mess of a comedy called Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter. He finds his muse in Viola de Lesseps, who is driven to do anything—even disguise herself as a man—to fulfill her dream of performing onstage, where no women are permitted.
Surrounded by familiar players, including Queen Elizabeth herself, backstage antics collide with on stage dramas. Will and Viola’s passionate, forbidden love affair goes on to inspire Shakespeare’s masterpiece—the most romantic tragedy ever written.
Critic and Audience Reviews
-Audience Member"Funny, smart, and touches your heart. Susan Maris brings the story to life, the moment she steps on stage you never want her to leave!"
-Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel"Romantic, sprightly, joyous, heartfelt. In short, it’s a delight."
-Michael W. Freeman, Freeline Media"...this production benefits enormously from the excellent performances by John P. Keller as Will and Susan Maris as Viola, who have a true gift for comedic timing..."
Creative Team
Director: Richard Garner
Fight Coach: Tony Simotes
Choreographer: Kim Ball
Scenic Designer: Kat Conley
Lighting Designer: Bert Scott
Costume Designer: Angela Calin
Wig Designer: Brendan O’Neal
Sound Designer: Britt Sandusky
AEA Stage Manager: Stacy R. Norwood
AEA Assistant Stage Manager: Karl Lengel
Children under 5 will not be admitted into the Theater.