YOURS EVER - THE RISE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER

by Michele Clarke

The story of Isabella Stewart Gardner's rise to fame is more heartbreaking than the heist, and more beautiful than the greatest treasure in her museum. This is how it starts.

EXCERPT of FULL-LENGTH Play: Opening 15 pages.
Link to video of April 2024 staged reading is below.

The story of Isabella Stewart Gardner's rise to fame is more heartbreaking than the heist, and more beautiful than the greatest treasure in her museum. This is how it starts.

EXCERPT of FULL-LENGTH Play: Opening 15 pages.
Link to video of April 2024 staged reading is below.

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YOURS EVER - THE RISE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER

Recommended by

  • Lucy Wang: YOURS EVER - THE RISE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER by Michele Clarke
    “

    A powerful play of discovery. Kudos to Clarke for such artistry and inspiring us to learn more about art and Isabella Stewart Gardner.

    A powerful play of discovery. Kudos to Clarke for such artistry and inspiring us to learn more about art and Isabella Stewart Gardner.

    ”
  • H. Avery: YOURS EVER - THE RISE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER by Michele Clarke
    “

    From the first few pages, Isabella Gardner is painted with such character, depth, and drive. Her relationships are so specific and defined from the jump! I would love to see a production of this piece!

    From the first few pages, Isabella Gardner is painted with such character, depth, and drive. Her relationships are so specific and defined from the jump! I would love to see a production of this piece!

    ”
  • Kyle R. Thomas: YOURS EVER - THE RISE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER by Michele Clarke
    “

    A delightful excerpt with thoroughly rich characters. It's very stylized and sexy and has so much suppressed desire. This has the makings of a grand, epic play. I would love to see/read the rest of it!

    A delightful excerpt with thoroughly rich characters. It's very stylized and sexy and has so much suppressed desire. This has the makings of a grand, epic play. I would love to see/read the rest of it!

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

5 male, 1 female
Doctor and Henry James can be doubled.
Excerpt action spans 20+ years / main characters age from mid 20s to late 40s.

  • JOHN LOWELL GARDNER JR. / JACK
    The scion of three Boston Brahmin families.
    28 to 49
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • DOCTOR HENRY JACOB BIGELOW
    The most revered surgeon in Boston.
    Early 40s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
  • ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER / BELLE
    Vivacious, free-spirited and mischievous.
    25 to 48
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • BUTLER
    Exceptionally talented. Principled. Sees everything.
    Early 30s to Early 50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • JOHN SINGER SARGENT
    In professional exile after intense ridicule for his sexually charged portrait, Madame X.
    30 to 32
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
  • HENRY JAMES
    Successful novelist and longtime friend of Belle.
    43
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s

Development History

  • Reading, Cape Cod Theatre Company | The Playwrights at Sisson Road (Harwich, MA), 2024
  • Reading, Cape Cod Repertory Theatre | Theater Lab (Brewster, MA), 2023