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The Full Scoop on Shakespeare's Will
August 29, 2019
Lost Nation Theater presents Shakespeare’s Will
-- A one-woman show starring Margo Whitcomb directed by Eric Love --
All photos on this page courtesy of John R Snell
scenic design Kim Allen Bent, costume design Jan Bodendorf, lighting by Charlotte Seelig
Lost Nation Theater continues its 31st Season as central Vermont’s resident professional theater with Shakespeare’s Will, a solo show written by Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen, performed by Vermont-based actor Margo Whitcomb, and running September 5 –15.
Playwright Thiessen has created a poetic, humorous masterful solo in which The Bard’s widow gets the last word.
He is the most famous man in literary history.
She is cloaked in silence and invisibility.
In this original and often hilarious portrait,
Anne Hathaway - accidental mother, imperfect wife, and defiantly liberated woman - finally gets her say!
How?
In Shakespeare’s Will, Hathaway returns home to her empty cottage on the afternoon of her husband's funeral.
Wrestling with his legacy, his children, work, and marriage, she eventually reads his will, confronting the historical mystery of Shakespeare's shocking bequests.
Defying the myths of history, this playful and inventive memory play is inspired by the few known facts of Anne’s life. Populated by a bevy of colorful characters, all portrayed by Whitcomb, Shakespeare's Will gives voice to Anne Hathaway, a forgotten wife overshadowed by her genius husband, in Thiessen’s humorous and imaginative theatrical tour de force.
A resurgence of interest in examining Hathaway's life has also informed a new film, All is True, that examines Shakespeare’s final years and the mystery of his will. It stars Kenneth Branaugh and Judi Dench.
Bringing this tale of the past to life is Margo Whitcomb, a popular Vermont-based actor, director, and educator:
She states:
“Shakespeare’s Will blew me away when I first read it. It literally exploded my preconceptions and limited knowledge of Anne Hathaway a/k/a Mrs. Shakespeare. I felt an immediate kinship with her and the particular constraints of domestic duty.”
LNT favorite Eric Love (Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Eurydice, Shakespeare Abridged) returns as both director and sound designer.
Joining LNT’s production team are lighting designer Charlotte Seelig (Becoming Dr. Ruth), Founding Artistic Director Kim Allen Bent (Sense & Sensibility) handles the scenic design with scenic artistry by Donna Stafford.
Designer Jan Bodendorf creates Ms. Whitcomb’s evocative period-inspired costume. Hayden Christensen stage manages. Technical Director is Robyn Osiecki and Nick Veldey is the Technical Assistant and Asst. Stage Manager.
“Thiessen has invented a complete life with tasteful imagination. The result is always gripping, frequently hilarious and ultimately very moving." (Toronto Star)
“Sharp-witted and bold.” (Theatre NYC).
SEE IT: September 5 - 15. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
Get Tickets HERE
