‘The Book of Will’ at Begins And Ends With A & Curtis Theatre

OC Theatre Guild
15 hours ago
4 min read

Celebration of Shakespeare’s Friendship and Legacy

From left, Genevieve Kauper, Kelly Franett and RigelKent Paden. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad

by Anne Reid

Director Amanda Hallman has wanted to stage “The Book of Will” since the moment she first read Lauren Gunderson’s play. After years of waiting for the rights, that vision is finally coming to life at Curtis Theatre through Begins And Ends With A, the production company Hallman co-founded with producer and costume designer Aja Bell.

Named for both founders, Begins And Ends With A was created in 2022 after Kris Kataoka invited Hallman and Bell to partner with Curtis Theatre. Since then, the company has built a reputation for intimate, thoughtful productions including “The Revolutionists,” “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” and “These Shining Lives.”

Now, the company is taking on its largest production yet.

“This is the largest cast we’ve had by far,” Hallman said. “Our last highest actor count was six. ‘The Book of Will’ has 14, so it’s a big shift.”

From top left, Kelly Franett, Robert Edward, RigelKent Paden. From bottom left, Genevieve Kauper and Donnie Bland. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad

“The Book of Will” tells the true story of Shakespeare’s fellow actors and friends, known as the King’s Men, who worked after his death to collect and preserve his plays in what became the First Folio. Without their efforts, many of Shakespeare’s most celebrated works might have been lost forever.

Rather than focusing solely on Shakespeare himself, Hallman said the play centers on friendship, grief and artistic legacy. “It’s about a group of chosen family coming together to keep their dear friend from being lost to history,” Hallman said.

The show blends humor, heartbreak and backstage chaos while exploring questions about legacy, memory and why art matters. Often described as a love letter to theater, the play celebrates actors, audiences and the creative bonds formed through storytelling.

For Bell, the production reflects the mission she and Hallman envisioned when founding Begins And Ends With A.

“Amanda and I started our company, Begins And Ends With A, as a way to tell the stories we wanted to tell in a collaborative, healthy environment,” Bell said. “We wanted to support high standards for production value, equitable pay for cast and crew and a culture of inclusion and collaboration.”

From left, Kelly Franett, Robert Edward and RigelKent Paden. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad

Although the company frequently focuses on female-forward stories and overlooked women from history, Bell said “The Book of Will” immediately resonated with the company’s artistic values.

“We were so moved by the story of these friends preserving their friend’s legacy that we had to tell it,” Bell said. “It is an incredible play about theater, art and friendship.”

Hallman said the production arriving a year later than originally planned ultimately strengthened the company’s artistic journey. Begins And Ends With A initially hoped to produce the play during its 2024 season but could not secure the rights at the time.

“In the long run, it was the best thing that could have occurred because we ended up selecting ‘Emilie,’ and that was the right play for that time,” Hallman said. “I believe we needed to do ‘Emilie’ before taking on this production.”

Bell credited Hallman’s passion and attention to detail as a driving force behind the production.

“Everything matters to her,” Bell said. “She can see the small details and the big picture. She knows how to get to the heart of the piece.”

Hallman said creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere is central to the company’s process, including auditions.

“I’m your biggest cheerleader when you audition for us,” Hallman said. “Casting is about so much more than just an actor’s performance.”

From left, Genevieve Kauper, Rebecca Leeds, Kelly Franett, RigelKent Paden and Madeleine Claire Colburn. Photo courtesy of Francis Gacad

The production’s visual world draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s First Folio, the Globe Theatre and the mechanics of early printing presses. Hallman praised the creative team, including Bell as costume designer; lighting designer Heather Harless; projection designer Jonathan Infante; sound designer Kris Kataoka; scenic designer Colin Lawrence; stage manager Lisa Kataoka; and production assistant Shelby Perlis.

“Our production takes inspiration from the words of the plays and the book itself,” Hallman said, citing influences including rag-cloth paper, leather-bound books, wood, iron and the architecture of the Globe Theatre.

For Hallman, the emotional heart of the production lies in its celebration of theater itself.

“My favorite part of this play is how it honors theater,” she said. “For the characters in this play and me, the theater is a sacred place. It’s where we go for friendship and family, laughter and solace.”

With “The Book of Will,” Begins And Ends With A is not only preserving Shakespeare’s legacy onstage but also celebrating the artists, friendships and shared passion that continue to keep theater alive.