For Love Of Will Staged Reading at Flea Theatre

An encore staged reading of FOR LOVE OF WILL, a new play by Stephan de Ghelder, in association with TOSOS Theatre Company, will be presented October 26, 2026, at the Flea Theatre, NYC featuring Mark H. Dold, Alex Herrera, Penelope Deen, CJ DiOrio, Juan Calix, Brady Dalton Richards, and Morgan Csarno. Mark Finley directs.

For over four centuries, one question has haunted Shakespeare’s legacy: Who was the “fair youth,” the beautiful young man who inspired the Bard’s most daring, intimate sonnets?

Synopsis: When a brilliant English professor entrusts a former student with a volatile theory, one that could finally unmask the fair youth and explain why the proof led to death, the past refuses to stay buried.

What begins as an academic pursuit, spirals into a dangerous obsession, drawing the student deeper into a maze of secrets, scholarship, and desire.

FOR LOVE OF WILL, first presented July 20th of this year as part of the TOSOS 2026 Reading Series/Doric Wilson Playwrights Project, was directed by Dennis Corsi. TOSOS is NYC’s historic LGBTQIA+ theatre company whose mission is dedicated to an honest and open exploration of the life experience and cultural sensibility of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Stephan’s career in show business has included professional work as an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, and writer. His work as a playwright/satirist/lyricist include “A Kiss from Alexander,” “Dickens of a Carol,” “A Woman Onstage,” “Meeting Mr. Right,” and “When Jenny Comes Marching Home.”

He is a contributing writer to a frequent comedy show, “Laughing Matters” for Florida Studio Theatre. For several years, he wrote, directed, and performed in the highly successful satirical/topical revues, “License to Bash” and “Prime Ribbing.” His production of “Alive and Kicking: Laughter Never Gets Old” enjoyed an extended run and packed houses at the Moonlight Cabaret Theatre in St. Charles, IL, in 2025.

There is no charge for attending but seating is limited to 50 seats. The reading will begin promptly at 7pm and late arrivals may not be seated. The Flea is located at 20 Thomas Street, NYC. Reservations may be made at https://tinyurl.com/ForLoveOfWillSeat