Courtesy of Playwright“It’s the 1600s and women are banned from the stage, but the suppressed female mind is finding it difficult to stay… well, suppressed. Behind the dingy walls of The Cage Tavern, six women explore the seductive power of the theatre. With a musical score influenced by underground European cabaret, the women embrace their creativity, their voice, and their freedom. But the law is not on their side, and if these artists are to fully express themselves, they must find the courage to get beyond the walls and in front of an audience. Daddy’s had his turn–the mad mind of Judith Shakespeare explodes in this saucy new musical.” (From the CPO Website)
QUINEY (pronounced Quinnee): Judith at 70, a tavern mistress with nothing left to lose.
WILL SHAKESPEARE
JUDITH SHAKESPEARE: 30, spirited, determined, a creative soul who struggles with her forbidden aspirations.
SUSANNAH SHAKESPEARE HALL: 33, religious, a mother, a perfectionist who carries the responsibilities of being the eldest daughter.
ISABEL LOXLEY: 28, a tomboy, wild, fearless. Physically unimposing, but fierce.
MARGARET MOORE (WHEELER): 30, socially awkward.
KATHERINE ROSE (TIPPING): 35, kind, gentle, but hidden underneath her calm demeanor an overwhelming feeling of loss and disappointment.
HANNA SORLEY: 33, odd, a bastard, outcast from society. Secure in the awareness of who she is, but challenges preconceptions.
THOMAS QUINEY: 27, confident, blue collar, small town ideals.
Performance Works and Kay Meek Centre, Vancouver, BC, 2015
Miss Shakespeare is available through the CPO Website.
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Winner of the Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical, 2016.
