Nine Day Wonder is a comedy by and starring Stephen Temperley that takes place both in the past and present. When Will, a contemporary man, is faced with a moment of ultimate crisis, to distance himself from reality he splits in two, becoming Will Kemp, Shakespeare’s famous fool. In 1599, Kemp undertook his famous dance, jigging his way from London to Norwich, a hundred and twenty-five miles distant. In present-day Will’s imagination, history is turned upside-down as Kemp refuses to leave the stage quietly, instead insisting hoping he can make Shakespeare change his mind, beg him to return, so he can again be the star he once was. Fighting his way through Kemp’s egomania, jokes, dances, bad puns, bragging, and foolery, Will is finally forced to confront his own ambition.
Best known for one of the most produced plays in the US, Souvenir, Stephen Temperley’s extensive resume includes work both on and off the stage in the US and UK. Souvenir was produced on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre and directed by Tony Award winner Vivian Matalon. Additional works of Temperley’s
Centenary Stage Company
Centenary Stage Company is a performing arts center located on the campus of Centenary University. Year-round events include Professinal Theater Series, music events, dance events, a Women Playwrights Series, Young Performers Workshop, an annual holiday spectatular, and more!