Inspired by the posthumous bidding war that broke out between the United States and France over Jean-Francois Millet's painting "The Angelus," Is He Dead? is a fast-paced comedy about a group of poor artists who stage the death of their mentor to drive up the price of his paintings. In order for the scheme to succeed, the artists hatch various hilarious plots involving cross-dressing, a full-scale fake funeral, lovers' deceptions and much more.
Though written in 1898, Is He Dead? remained unpublished until it was rediscovered in 2002 by Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin. This landmark premiere is a chance to experience the never-before-seen work of a great humorist at the top of his form.