"Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer's block, until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Viola quickly become the playwright's muse, while she disguises herself as a man to become a player. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola's father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under veil of secrecy, Will and Viola's passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing - Romeo and Juliet. With opening night - and the wedding day - fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?"--Publisher's description