CBU bringing ‘The Book of Will’ to the stage

Riverside, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2025) – California Baptist University is bringing “The Book of Will” by Lauren Gunderson to the stage in Wallace Theatre. This humorous and heartfelt play challenges Shakespeare’s friends to persevere after his passing, creating a story that not only celebrates profound friendships but also explores the power and impact of Shakespeare himself. 

The story focuses on John Heminges and Henry Condell who were not only members of Shakespeare’s acting company but were also considered some of his closest companions. These individuals conclude that some of Shakespeare’s written pieces are incomplete, and together they are resolved to finalize and publish his work. 

In this year’s theatre season, “The Book of Will” is the play set furthest in the past, but Zachary Bortot, associate professor of theatre and the play’s director, wants it to feel the most contemporary in style. 

“We wanted the production to represent a collage,” Bortot said. “We wanted the set and costumes to reflect a sense of being assembled out of different pieces that feel disparate at first but come together to form a whole.”  

The main theme Bortot wants to communicate to the audience is that human beings can leave a legacy by overcoming life’s obstacles when they come together to uplift and support one another. 

“I hope people can take away this idea – essentially we can accomplish what seems impossible if we work together for the good of others,” Bortot said.  

Elisabeth Gray, a junior who plays Elizabeth Condell, said an important aspect of bringing her character to life was learning her motivations, her drive and how she operates in relationships. Gray viewed her character as the logical one in her marriage with Henry. 

“But [Elizabeth] still knew how to support him, find light in dark places and encourage all those around her,” she said. 

Gray appreciates how this play honors Shakespeare and his work.  

Santino Alvarado, a junior, plays John Heminges. 

The most challenging aspect of the show was the precision required for Shakespeare plays, Alvarado said.  

“Every single word, comma, period, indent and even repeating letters are crucially important to hit correctly,” he said. “It's definitely leveled up my acting technique quite a bit as a side effect of trying to keep the director from stopping the runs at every missed comma.” 

Kaleb Bravo, a junior who plays Henry Condell, believes that when Gunderson wrote the play, she incorporated inspiration from Shakespearean literature through each character’s dialogue. He was drawn to the “great challenge as an actor to not only grow but also show people a great love and appreciation for Shakespeare's works and the emotions he beautifully captured.” 

“I absolutely loved the play and the beautiful artistry in which Lauren Gunderson took history and created such a heartfelt story,” Bravo said.  

“The Book of Will” 
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 21-22, Feb. 28, March 1; 2 p.m. Feb. 22, March 1-2 

Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504 
For tickets or more information, please click here.