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THE BOOK OF WILL to Open at Curtis Theatre in Brea, CA This June

Performances will run June 12-21.

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THE BOOK OF WILL to Open at Curtis Theatre in Brea, CA This June

The Curtis Theatre and Begins and Ends with A will present The Book of Will The true story of Shakespeare's first folio and how his closest friends saved his work from being lost forever. Performances will run from June 12-21.

Based on the true story behind William Shakespeare's first folio, "The Book of Will" follows the Bard's closest friends and their realization after his death that his works could be lost forever. Charged with the impossible task of compiling Shakespeare's original works into a Goliathan publication against the odds of funding, feuds, and their limited time, John Heminges and Henry Condell join forces with their families and friends to save the plays... and themselves.

THE BOOK OF WILL to Open at Curtis Theatre in Brea, CA This June Image
(from left to right) Kelly Franett, Genevieve Kauper, Robert Edward, RigelKent Paden, and Donnie Bland

Perfect for Shakespeare fans and novices alike, "The Book of Will" is a celebration of friendship, of legacy, of forgotten heroes and heroines, and of well-told stories that unite generations. It is the true story of how The King's Men-and the women alongside them-bequeathed to us one of the most performed, studied, and celebrated works in Western literature and theatre.

"I love this play for its love of theatre. For the characters in this play and me, the theatre is a sacred place. It's where we go for friendship and family, laughter and solace. I've never read anything that captures that reverence and love the way Lauren Gunderson's words do in this play," says director Amanda Hallman, co-founder of Begins and Ends with A. "As for my favorite moment in the show... you'll have to come see for yourself."

THE BOOK OF WILL to Open at Curtis Theatre in Brea, CA This June Image
Genevieve Kauper, Kelly Franett, and RigelKent Paden

"The Book of Will" is yet another partnership between the Curtis Theatre and Begins and Ends with A. Previous partnerships include their award-winning productions of Lauren Gunderson's "The Revolutionists," "Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight," and Melanie Marnich's "These Shining Lives."

THE BOOK OF WILL to Open at Curtis Theatre in Brea, CA This June Image
Genevieve Kauper, Rebecca Leeds, Kelly Franett, RigelKent Paden, Madeleine Claire Colburn

The production runs June 12th through June 21st with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday showtimes: Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturday at 3:00pm (June 20 only), Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm.

Tickets: Adults $36, Seniors $32, Medical/Military/1st Responders $32, Students $28.

The Curtis Theatre is conveniently located in downtown Brea and offers an intimate setting with 199 seats and an expansive stage; "There really isn't a bad seat in the house." Free Parking. 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821.

Photo credit: Francis Gacad

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