You, Nero at the South Coast Repertory

Nero fiddled while Rome burned, but who could have imagined the back story? Only Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Freed, whose comic take on historical events is nothing short of inspired. SCR audiences will never forget The Beard of Avon, her hilarious romp back to Stratford-Upon-Avon to consider who might have been the genius behind Shakespeare. According to CurtainUp, the comedy "would probably amuse the great wordsmith himself—whoever he might be." In her latest twist on history, Nero decides to add a little fun to bleak times by commissioning a play. The Story of Me (or I, Nero) could be the Colosseum's biggest hit ever—if its hapless author lives to tell the tale. This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation Plays award.