Adding to the ages-old speculation into whether or not Will Shakespeare wrote his celebrated works himself, playwright Amy Freed re-imagines the Bard as a down and out country boy who, upon moving to London for a life in the theatre, rubs shoulders with the Earl of Oxford. An aspiring playwright himself, the unlikely pair collaborate on what are now considered some of the greatest masterpieces in the history of theatrical writing.

After the opening night performance, the cast and creative team, including director Doug Hughes, celebrated at the Fuel restaurant at 395 Bowery Street in New York City.

At left, playwright Amy Freed and Douglas Sills (Little Shop of Horrors), as well as actors Tim Blake Nelson and Kate Jennings Grant, enjoy themselves at Fuel. Below, the cast, lead by Tim Blake Nelson, who plays Shakespeare, take their opening night bow.

The Beard of Avon is directed by Doug Hughes, with settings by Neil Patel, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lights by Michael Chybowski, and sound/music by David Van Tieghem.

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All photos are by Aubrey Reuben