Cappies: A.Y. Jackson presents a ‘stellar’ production of The Book of Will

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Show # 10
A.Y. Jackson Secondary School
The Book of Will
Director: Electra Hatzopoulos

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Amelia Alam, Critic
Colonel By Secondary School

“To be or not to be?” No, that’s not the question Henry Condell and John Heminges ask themselves in The Book of Will. “Publish or vanquish?” Now, that’s more like it.

After witnessing a disastrous production of the deceased Shakespeare’s Hamlet, both Henry Condell and John Heminges begin their journey to bring true justice to William Shakespeare, their once-close friend, through publishing the first folio honest to his writings. In A.Y. Jackson Secondary School’s production of The Book of Will, written by Lauren Gunderson, a terrifically comedic yet emotionally poignant depiction of the challenges Condell and Heminges face was brought to life!

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Gabriella Lennox’s captivating portrayal of Henry Condell explored many aspects of this multifaceted character. Lennox’s usage of animated facial expressions and energetic yells depicted the passionate and determined attitude Condell exhibited throughout the majority of the play. However, in more emotional moments, Lennox skillfully morphed from an energetic persona to a gentler one by replacing fervent body language with more delicate mannerisms. Marten Skubnik’s versatility in the role of John Heminges was exemplified as well. While retaining a calmer demeanour throughout the play, as demonstrated in Skubnik’s mellifluous tone of voice, the emotional anguish Heminges experiences was portrayed with raw tenderness in both Skubnick’s evocative voice and pained facial expressions.

With impeccable comedic timing and exhilarating stage presence, Erick Schoenherr brought another layer of vibrancy to this production. Schoenherr’s depiction of Ben Johnson was electrifying, highlighted by the usage of incredibly realistic body language when portraying a highly inebriated Johnson. The grandiose vocal expression exhibited by the character was wonderfully well-executed by Schoenherr.

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The set, constructed by Adrian Leung and designed by Hajer Zorgani, enhanced the Elizabethan atmosphere of this production. All over the set backdrop were pages of novels dyed in coffee, which aided in maintaining the Shakespearean spirit of the play. In front, a multi-purpose countertop was utilised in scenes at Heminges’ bar, and then gracefully spun around to become a bookshelf in scenes elsewhere. The books were painted fantastically, with a variety of colours. The detailed make-up applied to the actors was phenomenally well-executed as well! In addition to adding another layer of elegance to these characters, the make-up provided another element of authenticity. For example, a beard was attached convincingly to Heminges to demonstrate his maturity, while realistic wrinkles were applied to the character William Jaggard (portrayed by Shyla Harper) too.

With all-round creative talent, emotional intensity, and electrifying humour, A.Y. Jackson Secondary School’s production of The Book of Well was wonderfully brought to life!

Claire Hang, Critic
Elmwood School

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Shakespearean comedies, histories, and tragedies have been a part of English literature for centuries, but what would happen if they were erased from the face of the Earth? From utter misfortunes to achieving the unattainable, A.Y. Jackson Secondary School’s stellar production of The Book of Will introduces comedic storytelling with an Elizabethan twist, and is abundantly laced with emotion and humour throughout.

Written by Lauren Gunderson and published in 2018, this comedic play takes place in 1620s London, England. Following the death of their friend William Shakespeare and bearing witness to his works’ shambled renditions, theatre duo Henry Condell and John Heminges set out on an adventure to create a collection of his plays – famously known as the First Folio. A story combining fact and fiction, The Book of Will is not only a tale of following one’s passions, but discusses the importance of community and love in times of hardship.

A.Y. Jackson Secondary School’s cast displayed an innate connection among all the characters. Whether it be showing a loving family dynamic, or demonstrating the contrast between friendship and hostility, every actor was passionate in establishing the mood they intended to represent. During emotional scenes such as death, the characters showed their vulnerability and their need for each other to go on.

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Portraying Henry Condell, Gabriella Lennox wonderfully captured the character’s development throughout the story. From acquiring unreachable papers to consoling a grieving friend, Lennox had the ability to cast a wide range of physical and emotional expressions. Lennox’s striking projection supported the character’s persevering quality, especially during scenes where characters were in disagreement with each other. Amid various plots, the humorous charm Lennox shared with the other characters lightened the mood and demonstrated Henry’s easy approachability, even among those with the sternest personalities.

Erick Schoenherr delightfully portrayed the multifaceted character of Ben Johnson. With Schoenherr’s pompous tone and bold energy, Ben’s egotistical personality complemented many of his witty remarks, such as his drunkenness, flirtatious nature, and notoriously weepy episodes. From delivering comedically timed lines to using grandiose body language, Shyla Harper commanded the first scene as the character of Richard Burbage. Harper exuded Richard’s rowdy demeanour through a wide range of tone, volume, and elevations on the stage. Isla Muir’s performance as Alice Heminges played an integral role in developing various character dynamics. Muir’s natural yet powerful acting clearly explained Alice’s intentions towards other characters, including the support for her family and a playful desire to pursue the publisher’s son.

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Designed by Hajer Zorgani, the production’s sets provided a cozy atmosphere. The backdrops strewn with dyed paper were aesthetically pleasing and evoked a chaotic feel within the story. Serving as a table, a book-filled office space, and a sombre coffin, a revolving box allowed actors to use its height, movement and position to centre the stage’s attention. Costumes led by Branwen Craig and Wyan Li adhered beautifully to the 1620s time period, with ribbon ruffs, cropped pants, and structures which formed billowy dresses. The Eliza-beat-ans Pit Band effectively set the mood for each changing scene, in the style of energetic Renaissance music.

A.Y. Jackson Secondary School’s performance of The Book of Will was not only a journey into the past, but reflected the power of human desire and the great feats it can achieve. Complete with a collaborative cast, charming costumes, and lively music, Shakespeare himself would be proud!

Ruqaiyah Mohamed-Aashique, Lead Critic
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School

In the bustling world of theatre, where scripts are brought to life upon the lit stage, two passionate actors have their imaginations captivated by the works of William Shakespeare. The Book of Will, performed by A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, brought the enduring legacy of Shakespeare on a seemingly impossible journey, weaving ink-stained hands, history, and time.

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Set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England, where the echoes of Shakespeare’s verses linger in the air, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest companions, take the centre stage. After the death of one of their close companions, Richard Burbage, Condell suggests a seemingly impossible task of scouring through England to piece together the individual plays of Shakespeare, yielding the First Folio. Amidst the fame and applause of the Globe Theatre, the quest to preserve their friend’s legacy becomes a riveting testament to the power of friendship and the everlasting beauty of words.

The intense role of Henry Condell was excellently portrayed by Gabriella Lennox. Lennox portrayed Condell as a man of immense integrity, with a strong sense of duty and responsibility. The loyalty of Condell’s character shone through in the performer’s thoughtful depictions. Lennox’s vast emotional range in acting allowed the pain and guilt of Condell to be seen throughout the play, especially with his dearest friend John Heminges, at the time of his wife’s death. Overall, Lennox was able to consistently depict the steadfast commitment Condell had to honouring his friend’s memory.

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Marten Skubnik brought a mature voice of reason to the resourceful character of John Heminges. In contrast to Condell’s devotion, Heminges served as a voice of reason who is a pragmatic perfectionist. Skubnik was wonderfully able to draw the nuances of Heminges as his perfectionism consumed him throughout the mission of assembling the Folio. Skubnik’s portrayal of Heminges showed brotherly love in both his joy and grief, and the loving nature of Heminges was evident in every moment on stage, with his wife, children, friends, companions, and the journey itself.

The wives of both Condell and Heminges were pivotal to the storyline in supporting their husbands with this daunting task. Rebecca Heminges, played by Callie Andrews, provided humanity and depth to the story, specifically in illustrating the sacrifices Heminges had to make for the sake of the First Folio. Elizabeth Condell, played by Gabrielle Menard, had amazing chemistry with Lennox. Menard expressed excellent wit and charm, and presented the power of womanhood in the Shakespearean era.

The sets were artistically and accurately made by Hajer Zorgani and Adrian Leung alongside their Set Crew. The sets were resourceful and versatile with an eye to detail, and the seemingly normal centre box was devised to fit all scenes of the play, making it an integral part of the set design. The versatility of the set design was impressive and allowed the actors to excel on stage.

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The production was filled with moments of laughter, pain, tears, and triumph as characters navigated the challenges in their time, whilst remaining steadfast in preserving and honouring Shakespeare’s legacy. A.Y. Jackson Secondary School delivered a vibrant and loving production of The Book of Will, with great attention to the time period, providing a celebration of literature and showcasing the long lasting virtue of storytelling.

Lara Kylas, Lead Critic
Merivale High School

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness”, and A.Y. Jackson Secondary School performed greatness in their rendition of The Book of Will. “All the world’s a stage”, and this play clearly reflected the plentiful amount of hard work put into this fantastic production by both the cast and crew.

Lauren Gunderson’s The Book of Will tells the tale of Henry Condell and John Heminges, two friends of the late but great William Shakespeare who decide they must honour the Bard by creating a folio to celebrate his works. Through triumph and tragedy, this clever and witty play ultimately delivers an inspiring message about hope and friendship.

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Leading the play was Gabriella Lennox as Henry Condell and Marten Skubnik as John Heminges. The two could be described as none other than a dynamic duo, nailing the friendship between the two characters and emitting a touching energy. Skubnik did a fantastic job at portraying the voice of reason of the show. Despite his character’s more serious and responsible role, Skubnik dynamicized the role of Heminges, nailing the comedic timing of his humorous lines. Condell’s character was the voice of hope of the play. Condell would travel the greatest of lengths to avenge his good friend Shakespeare’s work, and Lennox’s skilled portrayal of complex emotions encapsulated Condell’s heart. Skubnik and Lennox never fell out of rhythm with each other, captivating the audience with their phenomenal synchrony and setting the tone of the spirited play.

The play’s historic setting could present as a challenge, but each actor on the stage portrayed their role with natural grace, allowing the audience to get lost in lively Elizabethan London. The women of the play were remarkable. Isla Muir had notable stage presence and excellently portrayed the role of Heminges’ determined and caring daughter, Alice Heminges. Callie Andrews and Gabrielle Menard, playing wives Rebecca Heminges and Elizabeth Condell, upheld their key roles of the multifaceted women behind their renowned husbands with their skillful and layered acting.

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While every actor had humorous moments, the comedic crowns of this play land on Erick Schoenherr, portraying Shakespeare’s rival Ben Johnson, and Keira Ryan, who took on many roles, but was notably the hilarious town crier. The two actors had incredible stage presence, fantastically projecting their passion for their roles. Overall, the cast worked together to build a phenomenal energy which was a joy to watch.

While the synchrony among actors was undeniable, the stage management team, lead by Liam DiBartolo-King and Awley Hicks, kept the play at a delightfully thrilling pace. When a scene concluded, the Eliza-beat-ans Pit Band took over with a few bars of their energetically played music, and as soon as they ceased, each set piece had been rearranged, the stage crew was nowhere to be seen, and the actors were ready to jump into their lines. The sets, whose construction was spearheaded by Adrian Leung and designed by Hajer Zorgani’s team, added tastefully to the time period of the play. Notably, the main centrepiece of the play was able to transform from a bar, to a casket, to a desk, and beyond when manipulated by the stage crew. The lighting crew, led by Andrew Millar, expertly supported scenes and added to the emotional value of the play.

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“‘Tis true that a good play needs no epilogue”. A.Y. Jackson Secondary School has proved Shakespeare to be right yet again with their remarkable rendition of The Book of Will.

Julia Segura Aguirre, Critic
Philemon Wright High School

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. Shakespeare’s plays shook the world, and many live on in the hearts of those who watched them. The Book of Will is an ode to the prodigious man, and a stellar rendition performed by A.Y. Jackson Secondary School felt as deep as a stab wound and as soft as a love story.

Written by Lauren Gunderson, The Book of Will is an exciting comedy with a healthy dose of love and misfortune. Set in 1623, the play follows Shakespeare’s friends as they struggle to keep his image alive after his death and nothing goes according to plan. Creating a collection with all of Shakespeare’s work must be harder than it seems!

The cast and crew of A.Y. Jackson Secondary School put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into the production. All aspects flowed together seamlessly, never having a dull moment, and every member was essential to creating an impressive performance that gave the audience a steady flow of laughter.

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Henry Condell and John Heminges, played by Gabriella Lennox and Marten Skubnik respectively, brought the play to life with their energetic characters and emotional scenes.The two actors bounced off of each other effortlessly and performed their lines with grace, embodying the characters with ease. Lennox conveyed anger strongly and delivered punchy lines strikingly. Skubnik embodied Heminges, easily working with the performers to enhance the character. Together, they fabulously contrasted each other and naturally complimented one another.

It would be boorish to not mention Isla Muir in the role of Alice Heminges. The actor’s charming demeanour, natural dialogue, and snarky remarks left an unforgettable mark on the audience. The playful banter Muir shared with Erick Schoenherr as Ben Johnson was as instinctive as it was entertaining, and Schoenherr’s character expertly filled the role of comedic relief. Richard Burbage and William Jaggard, both flawlessly played by Shyla Harper, added excitement to each scene and gave an energetic buzz to the stage. Kiera Ryan, who played many small roles ranging from Boy Hamlet to Marcus, executed them all effortlessly, easily staying in character throughout.

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The main set piece of the show came in the form of a versatile and mechanically complex trunk designed by Hajer Zorgani and constructed primarily by Adrian Leung. The build was easily able to transform into any set necessary, from a bar table to a coffin to a desk with drawers. Transitions from different scenes were quick and concise, while nice melodies from the Eliza-beat-ans orchestra accompanied in the background. Costumes were executed marvellously by Branwen Craig and Wyan Li, composing vivid imaginations of clothing from the time period and creating unique alternatives to essential attire. The props team, mastered by Awley Hicks, made beautiful pieces that added wonderful detail to the show.

A.Y. Jackson Secondary School beautifully embodied The Book of Will, all aspects coming together to create an outstanding show with graceful execution. The effort and creativity put into the production felt palpable, and the results were exceptional. It was incredible to see the work of all the cast and crew come to fruition.

About the reviews:

The  A.Y. Jackson Secondary School production was reviewed by 32 critics representing 8 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Ashley Visser of the Canada’s Capital Cappies Steering Committee and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Julie Desjardins of Holy Trinity Catholic High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.

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Next review: St. Patrick’s High School’s production of Clue: On Stage.

About the Cappies:

The Citizen and 21 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.C.based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and one private school have also joined. The four winners of the lead acting categories will receive a bursary provided by the international law firm Gowling WLG Canada LLP. Follow Canada’s Capital Cappies on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram @OttawaCappies.

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