A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Novelist (Fast)

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 1m

Howard Fast

A riveting portrait of Jane Austen during the last year of her life, this compelling two-actor play explores the bestselling novelist's relationship with Captain Thomas Crighton.

The Novelist (Fast)

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 1m
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography, Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary
Howard Fast, author of numerous bestselling novels, has crafted this riveting stage portrait of Jane Austen during the last year of her life. To her amazement, the reclusive English novelist is being courted by a retired naval captain who has read all of her books and regards her as a kindred spirit.  Despite Austen’s initial coolness, dashing Crighton overwhelms her with earnest charm, and they become friends. But their burgeoning romance is interrupted when Crighton is recalled to protect England from Napoleon, who has escaped exile. Sadly, Jane and Thomas have very little time together.
History
The Novelist premiered at the Williamstown Summer Theatre in Williamstown, MA in June 1991, under the direction of Gregory Boyd.
Keywords
Performing Groups
JANE AUSTEN
THOMAS CRIGHTON
  • Time Period Victorian (British and American)
  • Setting Jane Austen's cottage in Chawton, Hampshire, England. April to July 1817.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“Its repartee takes off on romance, writing and society in high style.” – The Village Voice

“Well written.” – The New York Times

“A gentle, romantic love story... a charming play.” – United Press International

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Howard Fast

Howard Fast
Howard Fast (1914-2003) was a noted novelist, screenwriter and playwright. His literary career went back to 1933, when – at age 19 – he published his first book, Two Valleys. He went on to publish over 50 novels, 10 plays and 20 works of non-fiction.
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