Overview
GRAVITY takes place in the rooms of Isaac Newton at Cambridge University in September, 1693, when Newton went through what subsequent biographers would call a “discomfiture of the mind.” Newton’s tragic past, conflicted sexuality, heretical religious beliefs, and alchemical experimentation had led him to lock himself away in his rooms in an attempt to complete his greatest work. It features Newton’s friend, the philosopher John Locke, and Newton’s nemesis, Dr. Robert Hooke, a brilliant polymath and devoted ladies’ man, whose jealousy of Newton unhinged him from time to time. Finally, the play features the mysterious woman with whom Newton became “embroiled.”
Casting & Production
Casting
ISAAC NEWTON — Natural Philosopher. Age 50.
BRILLIANA CAVENDISH — Wealthy widow. 30s-50s.
JOHN LOCKE — Philosopher. Age 61.
ROBERT HOOKE — Curator of Experiments for the Royal Society. Age 58.
MRS. GRUNDY — ISAAC NEWTON’s caretaker. 20s-60s.
HANNAH NEWTON — Mother of ISAAC NEWTON. Age 22.
NOTE: The following roles should be doubled
CHORUS OF CAMBRIDGE CITIZENS — Comprised of any four actors (aside from NEWTON).
BARNABAS SMITH — Stepfather of ISAAC NEWTON. Age 63. Doubled by the actor playing ROBERT HOOKE.
SUCCUBUS — A young woman. Doubled by the actress playing HANNAH NEWTON.
PROSTITUTE — A young woman. Doubled by the actress playing HANNAH NEWTON.
Setting
Place
The rooms and laboratory of Isaac Newton at Cambridge University.
Time
September, 1693
Reviews
“GRAVITY is a fascinating and entertaining play, in the same way Amadeus opened up the life of Mozart… MacGregor’s speculations make for not only thoughtful reflection, but also great theater.”
—New Monitor
“GRAVITY’s script is smart, and quite often, sharply funny. MacGregor writes great characters and dialogue, and his witty, erudite script provides loads to discuss and think about.”
—Ann Arbor.com
“GRAVITY is further proof that MacGregor is the most talented playwright premiering new work on the Purple Rose stage.”
—Detroit Free Press
“Purple Rose hits new heights with glorious GRAVITY… one of the most intriguing pieces of live theater seen in decades.”
—Lansing City Pulse
