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Alice Heminges ((Lauren D’Ambrosio) looks over the First Folio preface as Henry Condell (Michael Rhone, left) and her father, John (Anthony Silk), await her opinion. (David Allen photo) |
Presented by Foothill College Theatre Arts, Lauren Gunderson’s “The Book of Will” looks at the efforts involved in preserving the works of William Shakespeare for posterity.
Most of the action takes in a tavern adjoining the
Old Globe Theatre three years after the Bard’s death. As it opens, three actors
from the theater’s resident company, the King’s Men, are lamenting the
publication of a pirated version of “Hamlet.”
They are Henry Condell (Michael Rhone), John Heminges
(Anthony Silk) and Richard Burbage (John Musgrave).
After Burbage’s death that night, Henry and John
discuss the possibility of assembling all of Shakespeare’s plays into one volume.
Unfortunately, there are few complete scripts available.
Moreover, an unscrupulous publisher, William Jaggard
(Musgrave), apparently has the rights to most of the plays.
Through luck, ingenuity and the assistance of scribe
Ralph Crane (Gwendolyne Wagner), who had served as a prompter and had saved
many of the scripts, Henry and John are closer to their goal.
After Jaggard dies, his more honest son, Isaac
(Steve Allhoff), steps in to help. Despite more obstacles, the First Folio is
published and Shakespeare’s plays preserved for posterity.
The play offers some glimpses of life’s perils at
that time, as evidenced by the deaths of Burbage, Jaggard the elder and John’s
wife, Rebecca Heminges (Carla Befera).
Providing moral support and encouragement are
Henry’s wife, Elizabeth Condell (Eiko Yamamoto), and the Heminges’ daughter,
Alice (Lauren D’Ambrosio).
Directed by Bruce McLeod, the cast is a mix of
student and seasoned actors. Hence the results are mixed with solid
performances by several actors and overacting by others.
The set by Yusuke Soi works well, as do the costumes
by Lisa Rozman and sound by Max Stanylov.
Lines from some of the plays add interest to the
show, which nevertheless drags in spots.
Running about two hours with an intermission, “The
Book of Will” will continue through Nov. 21 in the Lohman Theatre, Foothill
College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.
For tickets and information, call (650) 949-7360 or
visit https://foothill.edu/theatre.
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