The Late Great Henry Boyle

full-length
comedy
1W, 4M
play

Overview

Henry Boyle is a shy, reclusive Professor of Medieval Studies whose life falls apart when his wife divorces him. At the urging of a colleague who encourages him to try something different, Henry begins drinking absinthe and writes a best-selling book which transforms him into a pop-culture celebrity. As he visibly disintegrates in the public eye, his popularity soars as people anticipate a Van Gogh/Kurt Cobain explosion. Henry finds an ally in a castle-hunting waitress who helps him realize that his only chance at salvation is to become a nonentity again, but how is that possible in a celebrity-crazed culture?

Casting & Production

Casting

HENRY BOYLE — Professor of Medieval English, 30s-40s
WINSLOW SAXONHOUSE — Professor of Film Studies, 30s-40s
RACHEL VIALLI — Waitress, 30s-40s
TURK LOGAN — Literary Agent, 20s-50s

The following roles should be doubled:
ARTHUR ZOKOR — Book Collector (doubled by WINSLOW SAXONHOUSE)
CAPYBARA — Largest Rodent in the World (doubled by TURK LOGAN)
GHOST OF BOETHIUS — Deceased Roman Philosopher (doubled by RACHEL VIALLI)

Setting

Place
In and around the university office of Henry Boyle.

Time
Now and then.

Reviews

“Not to be missed… a comedy that’s not afraid to show its heart.”
—Detroit Free Press

“Expertly strikes a balance between comedy and drama… MacGregor’s characters are funny, smart, and intriguing.”
—The Ann Arbor News

“From start to finish, a funny, enchanting, and well-written treat.”
—Current Magazine