The Book of Will at Lake Country Playhouse & Academy

The Book of Will
By Lauren Gunderson

Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Hamlet, Macbeth, or Romeo and Juliet. But without his friends… we might not have Shakespeare at all.

The Book of Will is the heartfelt, hilarious, and true story of the group of loyal actors and friends who, after Shakespeare’s death, banded together to preserve his words and legacy. Battling thieves, crumbling memories, and a race against time, they risk everything to compile the First Folio and ensure that the Bard’s timeless work would live on.

Full of wit, passion, and enduring friendship, Lauren Gunderson’s play is a moving love letter to storytelling, theater, and the power of words to connect generations. The Book of Will is both a celebration of Shakespeare and a poignant reminder of the people who make art possible.

Mainstage Play
Dramedy
Rating: PG
Runtime: 120 minutes. 15 Minute Intermission

Admission: $26.00* | Group (10+) $23.50*
*Processing fees not included

Performances:

Friday, January 16, 2026, 7:30 pm (Preview)
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2:00 pm
Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2:00 pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7:30 pm
Friday, January 30, 2026, 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2:00 pm

Cast:

Henry Condell - Oliver Kuhtz
John Heminges - Cory Klein
Richard Burbage/ Dering - Paul Weir
William Jaggard - William Molitor
Alice / Susannah Shakespeare - Madison Nowak
Elizabeth Condell / Emilia Lanier / Fruit Seller - Evelyn Ewald
Ed Knight / Issac Jaggard - Topher Lowmar
Rebecca Heminges / Anne Hathaway - Diane Kallas
Marcus / Boy Hamlet / Crier / Bernardo - Sophia Bernhardt 
Ralph Crane / Barman / Compositor / Francisco - Victoria Wozniak 
Ben Jonson / Barman 2 - David Wise 

Production Team:

Director - Morgan Gates
Rehearsal Assistant - Jennifer Craven
Intimacy Director - Jenn Dobby
Fight Choreographer - Jason Peregoy
Dialect Coach - Becca Richards

Set Design & Build - Eric Rorholm
Lighting & Sound Design - Mike Lindgren
Properties Design - Natalie Wanasek
Costume Design - Victoria Wozniak

BOOK OF WILL is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)