From Shakespeare With Love?

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Genre:
Comedy
Runtime:
35 - 40 mins
Cast:
2 male(s), 2 female(s), gender-flexible
Synopsis:
Four of the Bard's characters wait for an overdue flight to London. When Romeo reveals that he plans to revenge himself upon Shakespeare, who he blames for ruining his life, by killing him in a duel. The others-Titania, Viola and Antipholus-try to save Shakespeare by convincing Romeo that Shakespeare "does indeed love love." To do so, they recall scenes (excerpts from the actual Shakespearean plays) that show Shakespeare's playful side. Titania, for example, falls in love with Bottom (who wears the donkey head) after Oberon, her estranged husband, enchants her. Antipholus shows Romeo the confusion that occurs when he is mistaken for his twin brother-by his brother's wife. Viola dressed as a man, must carry a Duke's message of love to another woman-even though Viola has fallen in love with the Duke herself. At the very last moment, they succeed in convincing Romeo to spare Shakespeare, and all's well that ends well.
Notes:
Commissioned by the Walnut Street Theatre to tour to schools. Appropriate for middle school and older actors and audiences. The cast may be expanded to more than a dozen if roles aren't doubled.
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