‘Shakespeare in Love’ @ Garland Civic Theatre

Photos courtesy of Garland Civic Theatre

—Rickey Wax

Garland Civic Theatre’s production of Shakespeare in Love, directed by Ashley Puckett Gonzales, is a delightful and beautifully staged reimagination of the origins of Romeo and Juliet. Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, this production is also a playful, self-aware romp through the chaotic, passionate, and sometimes absurd world of 16th-century London’s playhouses.

The play opens with a frustrated Will Shakespeare (Thomas Schnaible) struggling to complete his latest work, Romeo and Ethel, a comedy including pirates and a dog (Marigold)—and aren’t we glad it never happened? Will’s writer’s block is exacerbated by financial troubles and an impatient theatre owner (Josh Hepola as Henslowe) who demands progress on the script. Friend and fellow playwright Kit Marlowe (Dylan Owen), tries to offer encouragement, but Will remains uninspired.

As Will seeks actors for the play, he finds the talent pool disappointing until a young performer named Thomas Kent auditions—and astounds Will with a flawless delivery of his verse. What Will doesn’t know is that Thomas Kent is actually Viola de Lesseps (Avery Baker), a noblewoman who loves theatre but is forbidden to perform on the stage. She’s female, and that’s that.

Meanwhile, Viola’s father has arranged for her to marry the wealthy but dull Lord Wessex (Mark Hawkins), who plans to trade his title for her family’s money—and to take her to his tobacco farm in Virginia. How fun. Viola, though, dreams of the stage and is enraptured by Shakespeare’s words. She attends a ball where she meets Will in disguise, and they share an instant, electric connection. That night, Will sneaks to Viola’s balcony, where their exchange mirrors the famous Romeo and Juliet scene. When Viola asks him to recite some of his new work, Will freezes, and Kit Marlowe secretly feeds him lines, leading to a humorous yet romantic moment.

As rehearsals for Will’s play progress, his muse, Viola, inspires him to transform the play from a comedy into the tragic romance that will become Romeo and Juliet. However, complications arise when Viola’s secret is discovered—first by her Nurse (Carol Rice), who helps her maintain the disguise, and later by others who grow suspicious of Thomas Kent’s true identity.

A pivotal moment occurs when Will, during a gondola ride with "Thomas Kent," uncovers the truth. A passionate romance flourishes, but their love is threatened by the looming presence of Lord Wessex, who is determined to claim Viola as his wife.

Tension escalates when the theatre is suddenly shut down; Viola’s womanhood has been found out, and the law punishes the company for their daring. Despite the setback, the show must go on; Will and his players devise a plan to have Romeo and Juliet performed before Queen Elizabeth I (Jill Lightfoot). Viola, knowing she will soon be sent away, seizes the opportunity to play Juliet—just once—in the performance.

On the night of the performance, the audience, including Queen Elizabeth, is mesmerized by the tragic love story unfolding on the stage. Viola as Juliet performs with Will (who steps into the role of Romeo at the last moment), and together they bring their real emotions of love, longing, and loss into to the performance, making it an unforgettable experience.

But reality crashes down after the bows. Viola is forced to leave with Lord Wessex for Virginia, leaving Will heartbroken. In a bittersweet farewell, Viola tells Will that their love story will live on through his words. Devastated yet inspired, Will channels his sorrow into his writing, setting the stage for his next masterpiece, Twelfth Night.

The chemistry between Schnaible and Baker is palpable, making their stolen moments of romance both thrilling and heartbreaking. Dylan Owen as Kit Marlowe is the perfect confidant and comedic foil to Shakespeare, assisting him in wooing Viola with charm and quick wit. Mark Hawkins’ Lord Wessex is delightfully villainous, his rigid views on marriage and power clashing spectacularly with Viola’s desires. Meanwhile, Carol Rice, as Viola’s nurse, is a comedic standout. Her frantic efforts to maintain the secret love triangle provoke laughter in every scene; she’s a mistress of exaggerated reactions and pitch-perfect comedic timing.

Another standout is Tatum Eckert, who plays multiple roles but shines most as John Webster, the sharp-tongued, overly inquisitive 10-year-old (and future Jacobean playwright!) whose delight in the grotesque and dramatic adds a unique layer of humor to the play. The chorus—composed of Dylan Ciminna, Faith Grier, Eckert, and Robert Bradford Smith—adds a layer of authenticity to the production, their angelic voices enhancing the Shakespearean atmosphere during the scene changess.

One of the most captivating elements of Garland Civic’s production is its set. “They have their exits and their entrances,” (a little Shakespeare humor)—and they need every one. Designed by Mark Hawkins, the stage—featuring wooden structures and gothic influences—transports the audience to the bustling world of the Elizabethan theatre. The multiple entry points allow for quick and seamless transitions, lending itself to the play’s fast pace and comedic timing. The set becomes a playground for the actors, mirroring the chaos and energy of Shakespeare’s working environment.  

The play explores love in its many forms—romantic love, the love of art, friendship, and even the love of power. As Will grapples with his identity as both a writer and a lover, the audience is reminded that great art often emerges from turmoil. The line “Are you my actor or my muse?” (delivered with exquisite timing and weighr) captures the central struggle of Shakespeare’s journey. Viola is both, and therein lies the beauty of their relationship. Will is left to immortalize their love in his play. Shakespeare in Love at Garland Civic Theatre is a fun-filled evening and a joyous play to experience.

WHEN: February 14th- March 2nd, 2025
WHERE: Granville Arts Center, 300 N. 5th St. Garland, TX 
WEB: www.garlandcivic.org