Doctor Johnson: A Play by A. Edward Newton is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the life and work of Samuel Johnson, a renowned English writer and critic. The play immerses the audience in Johnson's world, portraying his struggles and triumphs with great depth and authenticity.
The author skillfully weaves together historical facts and fiction to create a compelling narrative that sheds light on Johnson's complex personality and the challenges he faced during his lifetime. Through well-crafted dialogue and character interactions, we gain a deep understanding of Johnson's brilliant mind and the impact he had on literary and intellectual circles of his time.
One of the most striking aspects of the play is its exploration of Johnson's relationships with other prominent figures of the 18th century, such as James Boswell and Hester Thrale. These interactions add richness and complexity to the story, highlighting the interconnectedness of Johnson's personal and professional life.
Overall, Doctor Johnson: A Play is a powerful and engaging work that offers a fresh perspective on the life of a literary giant. A. Edward Newton has masterfully brought Johnson's story to life on the stage, capturing the essence of his genius and his humanity. I highly recommend this play to anyone interested in history, literature, or the human experience.
Book Description:
The life of Doctor Johnson, told in his own words and those of others around him. "Anyone with a teaspoonful of imagination can read this play with pleasure; with two teaspoonsful, I will not be responsible for results. He, or she, may be disappointed, for there is no plot to speak of. But there is talk - about as good talk as has ever been reported, and James Boswell as a reporter has never had an equal. " - Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
ACT 1:
Mr. STEWART: James Thomas
Mr. MAITLAND: Tomas Peter
Mr. MACBEAN: alanmapstone
Mr. LEVETT: Mike Casey
Dr. JOHNSON: Jim Locke
A VOICE : Lynette Caulkins
Mr. BOSWELL: Campbell Schelp
A SERVANT : Aaron White
Mrs. WILLIAMS: Elsie Selwyn
FRANK : Nemo
Mr. ALLEN: Adrian Stephens
Mrs. WOFFINGTON: Sandra Schmit
BET FLINT: Leanne Yau
POLL CARMICHAEL: Eva Davis
Mrs. THRALE: Foon
:
ACT 2:
Mrs. THRALE: Foon
JUDSON: Leanne Yau
Footman: Philip Watson
RATTLE: Eva Davis
Miss BURNEY: Sonia
Mr. MURPHY: Aaron White
Sir JOSHUA REYNOLDS: alanmapstone
Mr. GARRICK: Tomas Peter
Dr. JOHNSON: Jim Locke
Mr. THRALE: Steven Fellows
Dr. GOLDSMITH: Adrian Stephens
General PAOLI: Lynette Caulkins
Mr. BOSWELL: Campbell Schelp
Miss MORE: Elsie Selwyn
Miss STREATFIELD: Sandra Schmit
Mrs. DELANEY: Availle
Mr. BARETTI: Pier
:
ACT 3:
Dr. JOHNSON: Jim Locke
A SERVANT : Aaron White
RATTLE: Eva Davis
Mrs. THRALE: Foon
Mr. BOSWELL: Campbell Schelp
Mr. BARCLAY: Tomas Peter
Mr. PERKINS: Adrian Stephens
Miss BURNEY: Sonia
Miss THRALE: Leanne Yau
:
ACT 4:
Dr. JOHNSON: Jim Locke
FRANK : Nemo
Mrs. DESMOULINS: Sandra Schmit
Mr. HOOLE: Aaron White
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT: Elsie Selwyn
Sir JOSHUA REYNOLDS: alanmapstone
Mrs. SIDDONS: Eva Davis
Dr. BROCKLESBY: Tomas Peter
Mr. WINDHAM: Adrian Stephens
Miss BURNEY: Sonia
Mr. BURKE: Steven Fellows
YOUNG GIRL: Leanne Yau
Stage Directions and Editing: ToddHW