Samuel French Announces Representation for Rights of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

Samuel French, the world's leading theatrical publishing and licensing company, has announced their representation for performance rights of Shakespeare in Love, The Play adapted by Tony® Award winning playwright Lee Hall from the Academy Award winning film by Tony and Academy Award winning playwright Tom Stoppard and Academy Award winning screenwriter Marc Norman. Originally presented on the West End by Disney Theatrical Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions, critics described the play as "a stirring love story ...funny and genuinely moving. A joyous celebration of theatre" (Daily Telegraph); "an absolute joy from beginning to end" (Daily Express); "deliciously funny" (The Independent); and "an ebullient crowd-pleaser" (The New York Times).

In Shakespeare in Love, young Will Shakespeare has writer's block... the deadline for his new play is fast approaching but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse - Viola. This beautiful young woman is Will's greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will's love for Viola quickly blossoms and inspires him to write his greatest masterpiece.

Following its 2014 world premiere on the West End at the Noel Coward Theatre, Shakespeare in Love is currently playing its North American premiere at the Stratford Festival in Canada and will be seen on the stages of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Utah Shakespeare Festival beginning in winter 2017. Samuel French is currently accepting performance license applications forthe title.For more information, please contact a Samuel French Licensing Representative at 866-598-8449.

"Shakespeare in Love is a genuine valentine to the Theatre, gorgeously realized for the stage by Lee Hall," said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. "We are thrilled to now release the title for licensing through Samuel French so that theatres worldwide can realize their own take on this joyous, romantic show."

"Shakespeare in Love marks the first representation agreement between Samuel French and Disney Theatrical Productions," says Bruce Lazarus, Executive Director, Samuel French. "We're proud to add Shakespeare in Love to our ever-growing catalogue of plays and musicals."

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Samuel French is the world's leading publisher and licensor of plays and musicals. The company's catalog features some of the most acclaimed work ever written for the stage and titles by writers at the forefront of contemporary drama. Samuel French is proud to have served as a leader in theatrical publishing and licensing for over 180 years and is committed to the future by championing for playwrights, innovating the industry, and celebrating all those who make theatre around the world.