Theatre Longview cast members rehearse for their upcoming performance of "Shakespeare in Love" Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Longview Community Center. (Les Hassell/Longview News-Journal Photo)

From staff reports

Theatre Longview is presenting “Shakespeare in Love,” the stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film, through Feb. 16 at the Longview Community Center.

“This delightful romantic comedy transports audiences to the Elizabethan era, blending romance, wit, and theatrical hijinks in a whirlwind tale of mistaken identities, sword fights and behind-the-scenes chaos,” Theatre Longview said in a statement.

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall from the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, “Shakespeare in Love” follows young William Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block.

“But when he meets the brilliant and spirited Viola de Lesseps — who dreams of acting at a time when women are forbidden from the stage — he finds his muse and a world of comedic complications,” Theatre Longview said. “Their secret love affair inspires one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ but not without plenty of laughter along the way.”

The play is directed by Texas Shakespeare Festival veteran director and actor Sasha Hildebrand.

“This play is a love letter to storytelling, the creative process, and the enduring power of Shakespeare,” Hildebrand said. “It’s a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and adventure that will captivate both longtime Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.”

To celebrate the Feb. 13 opening of “Shakespeare in Love,” Theatre Longview is offering a free opening night reception at 6:30 pm. Guests will enjoy complimentary cheesecake from Cheesecake Lane.

And In honor of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, there will also be a special champagne and chocolate reception sponsored by Carmela Davis.

Featuring a talented local cast led by Jess Vinton as Will Shakespeare and CC Weatherly as Viola De Lesseps, as well as stunning period costumes, Shakespeare in Love promises a visually spectacular and emotionally moving experience with plenty of laughs along the way.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-15 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16.

Tickets are available at theatrelongview.com.