Gender Play, or what you Will
Co-Created by Will Wilhelm and Erin Murray
Directed by Erin Murray
Performed by Will Wilhelm
May 4 - June 3, 2023
Tickets
This show has closed.
Location
The Den Theatre
1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Learn more about The Den Theatre…
About The Show
Will is a trans actor seeking to belong and feeling frustrated at not seeing their story reflected onstage. In their most desperate hour, they reach out for help. They hold a seance and summon the oldest and queerest playwright they can think of: William Shakespeare! Soon, the two become total besties, and together Will & Will reclaim the Bard’s old plays in all their original homoerotic, cross-dressing, gender-fluid glory. Now, Will invites you to an impromptu party to celebrate their new friendship. But to meet the guest of honor, we must perform the seance again, together.
Gender Play, or what you Will promises a mystical evening of queer joy, laughter, tarot, and more than a little self-discovery.
The show runs 90 minutes with one dance break.
Media
Behind the Scenes
Production Photos
Reviews & Awards
Jeff Award Nominations:
New Play (Will Wilhelm and Erin Murray)
Solo Performance (Will Wilhelm)
Lighting Design (Gabrielle Strong)
“This incredibly original theatrical production isn’t exactly a play. It’s more like a Happening or an Event… filled with fun, festivities and flights of fantasy.” RECOMMENDED
–Chicago Theatre Review
“A tour de force and a must-see! …a forceful and captivating performance” ★★★★★
–Around The Town
“Delightfully, unapologetically queer… Whether you’re a Shakespeare devotee like me or would normally pass on his work, do yourself a favor and come see this show. It’s something truly special.”
–Splash Magazine
“A glimmering tour de force through some of Shakespeare’s most compelling characters and real-life lovers… Gender Play, or what you Will is an exuberant celebration of the potential of storytelling, filled with decadent costume reveals, surprise dance parties, a robust mastery of Shakespeare’s work, and the talent that is Will Wilhelm.”
–Rescripted
Jeff Awards Recommended
Show Events
May 14 @ 4:45pm
immediately following the 3pm matinee performance of Gender Play
Learn more…
The following performances will feature open captioning:Thursday, May 18 @ 8pm
Saturday, May 20 @ 3pm
Sunday, May 21 @ 3pm
Thursday, May 25 @ 8pm
Sunday, May 28 @ 3pm
Thursday, June 1 @ 8pm
Saturday, June 3 @ 3pm
Artists
Cast
- Will Will Wilhelm
- Will u/s Jonathan Moises Olivares
Crew
- Director Erin Murray
- Dramaturg Linnea Valdivia
- Text Coach Kathryn Walsh
- Casting Director Catherine Miller
- Scenic Designer Steven Abbott
- Lighting Designer Gabrielle Strong
- Sound Design & Composition TRQPiTECA: Natalie Murillo & Jaquelyn Carmen Guerrero
- Costume Designer Uriel Gomez
- Properties Designer Lonnae Hickman
- Lead Electrician Kieran O’Connor
- Audio Programmer Stefanie Senior
- Production Manager Audrey Kleine
- Production Asst. Theo Wampuszyc
- Stage Manager Lucy Whipp
- Asst. Stage Manager Anna Margevich