Trinity Hall’s Queen’s Court Company (QCC) is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “The Book of Will” by Lauren Gunderson. The witty and heartfelt play brings to life the untold story behind one of the most renowned books in literary history, William Shakespeare’s “First Folio.”
Set in Elizabethan London, three years after the death of Shakespeare, “The Book of Will” follows the Bard’s closest friends and fellow actors from The King’s Men as they embark on a quest to preserve his legacy. Faced with the daunting task of gathering his scattered works, they must do whatever it takes to compile Shakespeare’s masterpieces into a single volume, ensuring that his works will live on for generations to come. According to cast member Joy Ogunsakin ‘26, who plays John Heminges, “This story is truly electric! It touches on loss, perseverance and togetherness as Shakespeare's friends work tirelessly to preserve his legacy despite all odds against them. You'll come out of the theater feeling inspired after watching this production.”
Since its 2017 world premiere at the Denver Center Theatre Company, “The Book of Will” has been performed in regional theaters across the country, including a run at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival that same year. Now, Trinity Hall students get to bring their adaptation to life on stage.
Director and faculty member Ellen Phillips shared her enthusiasm for the show, saying, “It’s an ode to friendship, it’s an ode to theater. The girls are doing a great job; they are doing British accents flawlessly. They’re even doing a little bit of Shakespeare without doing a full-on Shakespearean production – they’re getting a taste of it. It’s fascinating because it’s tied to history, and that’s my favorite part.”
The production also promises stunning period-accurate visuals, thanks to the dedication of the Crowning Crew’s talented costume and set crews. Maggie Havens ‘26 has led the costume department in extensive research to ensure authenticity. She shares, “As the Costume Crew works through this new production, there has been a learning curve while making new things, such as corsets and breeches. This has made me extremely excited for everyone to see and understand the dedication, creativity and work each and every member puts into this club.”
Phillips praised her work, noting, “The costumes department did a lot of research into the period and the costumes are all legit Shakespeare garb, down to the kinds of materials people would wear back then. Maggie led everyone into digging deeply into that, so that’s going to be incredible.”
The set design also offers a creative twist on the play’s literary theme. “I’m excited for the sets,” Phillips added. “Our theme is books because of Shakespeare, so we suggest all the places we are going through the use of books.” Kailyn Lehan ‘26, who, along with Ava Santamaria ‘26 and Guadalupe Cardoso-Amador ‘26, has been leading the sets crew, shared, “The set crew has been working hard, and we are looking forward to the audience seeing all the unique set pieces we’ve created. Each part adds something special to the story, and I think people will really like the creativity and detail that went into it.”
Santamaria also serves as student director for the production. She shared her sentiments for everyone involved in the production when she said, “Every single person involved in the show is doing a great job and putting in a lot of hard work. I encourage everyone to show their support and see all the effort put in! Come learn about Shakespeare and the trials and tribulations it took to put his legacy into the “First Folio” from his closest friends. This is a funny, yet incredibly endearing play about friendship and the joy that theater brings to everyone.”
Cast member Oliviannah Cesario ‘29 emphasized the dedication of the cast when she echoed, “I’m really looking forward to performing in front of an audience and feeling all that energy in the room! Since it’s my first year, I’m excited just to be part of something this meaningful and to learn what it’s like to be in a full production with such a talented cast.”
“The Book of Will" promises to be an unforgettable production for audience members of all ages. Cast member and head of the Arts Council Isabella Garrison ‘26, shares, “It’s a funny, heartfelt, and exciting show that people won’t want to miss!”
Performances will take place on Thursday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Forrestdale School Theater. Ticket reservations for all performances are available here.