{__('Author','pwc')}
New York, NY

Donald
Loftus

he, him, his

AMUSING WILLIE

William Shakespeare is at odds with his trio of eccentric Muses: the bossy Calliope, the kind Thalia, and the wild Erato. Tasked with critiquing his latest script, the Muses challenge Willie’s storytelling choices, ridiculing his penchant for tragic melodrama and questionable character names. As the play unfolds, the Muses dissect Shakespeare’s previous works while sparking creative tension over his current project, “Romeo and Jezebel.” Ultimately, they remind him of his genius, leaving the audience to hopefully laugh at but also reflect on the struggles of creative inspiration. The play is meant to be an ode to the creative process…and both a satire and a celebration of artistic perseverance.

Cast

WILLIE SHAKESPEARE: A passionate but exasperated playwright in his 40s, juggling artistic ambition with self-doubt. Creative yet defensive, he struggles to meet his Muses’ impossible expectations. CALLIOPE: The bossy Muse of epic poetry. Proper, sharp-tongued, and critical, she embodies no-nonsense authority with wit, resembling a no-frills Dame Judi Dench type. THALIA: The kind-hearted Muse of Comedy. Gentle yet firm, she diplomatically offers criticism and encouragement—a supportive presence akin to Julie Andrews, balancing warmth with wisdom. ERATO: The wild Muse of Love poetry. A spirited Cockney rebel with chaotic energy, she’s bold, colorful, and theatrical—think Helena Bonham Carter at her quirkiest.

Authors

Donald Loftus