The course of true love never did run smooth not in Shakespearean times, nor in present times.
(What, like you’ve never thought about throwing a cocktail glassnearyour ex?)
Cue reluctant nostalgia, snappy exchanges of dialogue and a whole lot of sexual tension.
Credit: Graydon House
A midsummer night’s dream, indeed.
“We can’t handle anything else bad at the moment!”
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Where did the idea spark from?
AIMEE AGRESTI: I definitely had the idea for a long time.
She’s so much more vulnerable than anybody would guess.
Why did you decide to set it in the world of theater?
And, more specifically, at a resident summer Shakespeare theater?
I’ve always been super obsessed with the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts.
I’ve always wanted to go and this was the best excuse ever to get to finally go there.
They’re all like mixing and mingling.
It’s also just a gorgeous-sounding backdrop for a story.
you’re free to really do some soul searching.
Of course, at Williamstown Theater Festival they know what they’re doing.
They run this amazing program every year, but the one in my book is supposed to terrible.
Why did you choose Shakespeare’s works as the plays the company is producing?
I’m a Shakespeare geek.
I’ve always just loved Shakespeare.
You also play with the idea of acting in your personal life as well as professionally.
She’s such a great character to read and has so many sharp one-liners.
Where did the idea for Charlie come from?
My first job out of college was at a movie magazine.
Because I was right out of college, I often got to interview the up-and-comers.
There’s so much realness there.
It’s an indie movie and no one’s going to see it."
I was so offended on her behalf.
That crystallized everything for me about what women go through in Hollywood.
Charlie is one of four narrators that you go between throughout.
It’s tricky sometimes to balance them.
I was glad for the chance to get to show what’s really on all of their minds.
Why isThe Summer Setthe perfect summer-in-quarantine read?
Well, it transports you to a beautiful summer destination.
You’re in the Berkshire.
You’re seeing plays.
You’re in this artistic wonderland and it’s just a fun ride.
All fun, all the time.
It’s like comfort food and there’s a happy ending.
The Summer Setis out May 12.
