PLAY ON! Makes Its World Premiere At Fringe

Laura Jo Trexler was doing some character homework to further understand the role of Gertrude in a production of Hamlet when she had a wild idea.

"I took the infamous 'closet scene' and turned it into a song in which Gertrude could express herself," Trexler said. "That song gave new meaning to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, and inspired me to write songs for other famous Shakespearean women."

The result is Play On: A Musical Romp with Shakespeare's Heroines making its World Premiere at The Hobgoblin Playhouse this June as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Play On! is a one-woman modern day musical retelling of Shakespeare's most famous women. >From Juliet to Lady Macbeth, audiences will experience each woman's unique perspective through song in this 45-minute musical roller coaster! An innovative and refreshing new interpretation of classic stories, Play On! is an immersive dive into the psyche of Shakespeare's leading ladies using the power of music to make you laugh, cry and sing along.

The show was originally workshopped in Boston, where it received critical praise. Since then, Trexler has flushed the show out more, prepping it for a Hollywood debut. Next up, she would like transform it into a full-length production to be produced in the U.S. and abroad.

Trexler has performed as an actress and musician across the country. She has produced two studio albums, including the soundtrack to Play On! She said she was inspired by the reception she received with the Boston workshop and she can't wait to see how audiences react in the L.A. theatre scene.

"Aside from getting catchy melodies stuck in their heads, I hope audiences walk away from this musical explosion with a sense of curiosity and a new found understanding and appreciation of these famous female characters," Trexler said.

Play On! plays Friday, June 1; Monday, June 11; Friday, June 15; Saturday, June 16: and Sunday, June 24.

To see a snippet of Play On!, check out the trailer: