AMUSING WILLIE...A TEN-MINUTE RADIO PLAY

by Donald Loftus

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...

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. A play is meant to be an ode to the creative process...and both a satire and a celebration of artistic perseverance.

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AMUSING WILLIE...A TEN-MINUTE RADIO PLAY

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  • George Sapio: AMUSING WILLIE...A TEN-MINUTE RADIO PLAY by Donald Loftus
    “

    I didst laughed out loud a brace of times as I was led through this merry excoriation of his Bardness, Willie S. Faith, tis strewn with both high and low humor (nobs and groundlings, rejoice!), most excellent badinage, and, pardon me, nuncle, a few well-shot shafts of most apt critique leveled at the master's comedies. Strewth! Wouldst make a most...amusing addition to any evening's worth of entertainment.

    I didst laughed out loud a brace of times as I was led through this merry excoriation of his Bardness, Willie S. Faith, tis strewn with both high and low humor (nobs and groundlings, rejoice!), most excellent badinage, and, pardon me, nuncle, a few well-shot shafts of most apt critique leveled at the master's comedies. Strewth! Wouldst make a most...amusing addition to any evening's worth of entertainment.

    ”
  • Lee R. Lawing: AMUSING WILLIE...A TEN-MINUTE RADIO PLAY by Donald Loftus
    “

    Shakespeare had self doubts about his ability as a writer. Yes, and we see that played off so excellently in this funny audio play. You can't really ever look at the genius of Shakespeare the same way once you see him struggle to finish another piece that may be masterful or not.

    Shakespeare had self doubts about his ability as a writer. Yes, and we see that played off so excellently in this funny audio play. You can't really ever look at the genius of Shakespeare the same way once you see him struggle to finish another piece that may be masterful or not.

    ”
  • Caden Barley: AMUSING WILLIE...A TEN-MINUTE RADIO PLAY by Donald Loftus
    “

    A brilliant concept hilariously executed, with sharp dialogue that keeps the reader/viewer hooked on every word. "Amusing Willie" turns history and literature on its head, making for a comedy that speaks to generations.

    A brilliant concept hilariously executed, with sharp dialogue that keeps the reader/viewer hooked on every word. "Amusing Willie" turns history and literature on its head, making for a comedy that speaks to generations.

    ”
WILLIE SHAKESPEARE: Age: 30 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: Age: 40s+ 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: Age: 30s+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: Age: 20s+ 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.