Shakespeare in Love Set for North American Premiere in Canada; Is Broadway Next?

The stage adaptation of Shakespeare in Love will cross the pond after playing London’s West End, though it isn't heading to New York just yet. The play by Tony winner Lee Hall will be part of Ontario’s 2016 Stratford Festival. Declan Donnellan directs the production, which had been eyeing a Broadway premiere this season. No dates or casting have been announced.

The original London production began performances in July 2014 and played its last performance in April. It starred Lucy Briggs-Owen and Tom Bateman. 

Based on the Oscar-winning 1998 film, Shakespeare in Love follows the titular playwright as he struggles with his latest work Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter. A great fan of Shakespeare's plays is young, wealthy Viola, Women were not allowed to act on stage at that time, but–disguised as a boy–Viola successfully auditions for the part of Romeo. Soon she and William are caught in a forbidden romance that provides rich inspiration for his play.

The Stratford Festival season will also include Macbeth, Breath of Kings, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s histories, Hannah Moscovitch’s Bunny, John Gabriel Borkman, All My Sons, As You Like It, The Hypochondriac and A Chorus Line and A Little Night Music.