THE BOOK OF WILL by Lauren Gunderson
The Book of Will
Written by Lauren Gunderson | Directed by Beth Wolf
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book of Will finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
Performances:
September 18 – October 25, 2025
Thursdays – Saturdays at 8:00pm
Sundays at 3:00pm
Wednesday, October 22nd at 8:00pm
The Den Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3830
Venue Information:
Creatives
Director: Beth Wolf
Assistant Director: Chase Wheaton-Werle
Scenic Designer: Trevor Dotson
Assistant Scenic Designer: Devin Meseke
Costume Designer: Rachel M. Sypniewski
Lighting Designer: Jackson Mikkelsen
Sound Designer: Alex Trinh
Intimacy Director: Courtney Abbott
Dramaturg: Kevin Sheehan*
Casting Director: Becca Holloway
Technical Director/Props Designer: Jeremiah Barr*
Production Manager: Samantha K. Barr
Stage Manager: Erin Galvin
Production Photos & Promotional Graphics
by Steven Townshend, Distant Era
Applause
Highly Recommended
…a much-needed, fun night out at the theatre. And it’s a very good show!
Highly Recommended
After you see Promethean Theatre’s excellent production of The Book of Will, consider what the world of theater would be like if the King’s Men had not succeeded in their quest.
Highly Recommended
…written and performed with so much genuine affection and heart, one would have to be a churl not to find it irresistible.
Highly Recommended
…a warm celebration of theatre, friendship, the privilege of growing older–and of course, Shakespeare himself.
Highly Recommended
This play is a love letter aimed at every theatergoer and aficionado of the Bard….
Cast
Marcus/Boy Hamlet/Crier/Bernardo: Jesús Barajas
John Heminges: Jared Dennis*
Richard Burbage/William Jaggard/Sir Edward Dering: Brendan Hutt*
Ben Johnson/Barman/Horatio: James Lewis
Ralph Crane/Barman/Compositor/Francisco: Jonathan Perkins
Ed Knight/Isaac Jaggard: Kevin Sheehan*
Rebecca Heminges/Anne Hathaway Shakespeare: Anne Sheridan Smith
Henry Condell: Ben Veatch
Elizabeth Condell/Emilia Bassano Lanier/Fruit Seller: Sabine Wan
Alice Heminges/Susannah Shakespeare: Brittani Yawn
*Indicates PTE Ensemble Member
Understudies
Understudy Ed Knight/Isaac Jaggard/Ben Johnson: Andre Colin
Understudy Alice Heminges: Andie Dae
Understudy Marcus/Ralph Crane: Alexander P. Garza
Understudy Richard Burbage/William Jaggard/Sir Edward Dering: Rory Jobst
Understudy John Heminges/Henry Condell: Chris Lysy
Understudy Elizabeth Condell/Rebecca Heminges: Michelle Perry
“Wonderstudies” are truly the bedrock of the theatre. These dedicated professionals work alongside the cast to develop characters and fulfill the promise that the show will go on. The Chicago theatre community – producers, performers, and audiences – is indebted to understudies and the directing/stage management teams that help them prepare.
The cast of Promethean Theatre Ensemble’s production of The Book of Will: Jesús Barajas, Jared Dennis, Brendan Hutt, James Lewis, Jonathan Perkins, Kevin Sheehan, Ann Sheridan Smith, Ben Veatch, Sabine Wan, and Brittani Yawn
Our Community Partner for this Production
The Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF) accelerates learning, connection, and opportunities at Chicago Public Library’s 81 branches by investing in programs not covered by tax dollars. CPLF turns donations from individuals, families, foundations, and companies into life-changing resources for all Chicagoans. With their donor community, they equip students to succeed in school; support Chicagoans to enter and advance in the workforce; expand access to art, music, and making; and connect people with one another and to their communities. Click here to learn more. Click here to donate to Chicago Public Library Foundation.