Based on the Sonnets of William Shakespeare, this unique performance piece brings to life the characters and themes of the collection.  The piece explores the stories both implied in and rumored behind the love poems, bringing to life the infamous triangle of the Poet, Young Man and Dark Lady, as well as allegorical characters of Time, Beauty, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Friendship, Art, and more. Characters :: Poet—mature man, might be William Shakespeare himself, must have familiarity with scansion & experience with verse Young Man— young, very handsome, preferably fair of hair or complexion Dark Lady— more mature than Young Man, dark of hair or complexion An Ensemble—variety of actors; 2-4 [or more in an educational setting] to play other characters; at least one more female preferably fair as contrast to Dark Lady.

Actors should be strong in movement and vocal work; Cast must learn live percussive accompaniment, should have a sense of basic rhythm.

Conceived by Director Molly Lyons, her unique approach brings great breath and life to the language, relationships, romance and passions of the sonnets. They become more than antique poems, they become exciting stories, living in the present.

In a recent Works-in-Progress performance, the audience said ::
“I’m going to buy a book of the Sonnets right now. I didn’t remember them this way from school.”

“The actors were completely focused 100% of the time.”

“The story was made so clear through the movement and the relationships.”

“You just whetted my appetite, it wasn’t long enough, I must see more.”

Production Details ::
Designed to be directed by Molly Lyons; all rights belong to the Excelsior! Stage of the Green Wood Studio.

Production Concept available by Chris Anderson or requires very little: a minimalist set with acting cubes, benches, some fabric the actors can utilize; basic lighting: warm & cool wash with some side & back light.

Costumes should be suggested elements of Elizabethan look and provide great flexibility of movement.

Length can vary from 20 minutes to 80 minutes by using fewer of several themes explored in the piece. No intermission in any version.  

Musical instruments mentioned above not provided.

For information on booking To Me Fair Friend, or having the director create the show within your company ensemble, please contact Molly Lyons.