In the spring of 1926, Theophilus North, a 30-year-old New Jersey school teacher, quits his job and sets out for some fun and to find his place in the world. However, he makes it only so far as Newport, Rhode Island, a mere 200 miles from home, when his car breaks down.

Stranded in a community of substantial wealth, Theophilus supports himself with odd jobs in the elegant mansions along Ocean Drive. Soon the young man finds himself playing the roles of tutor, spy, confidant, lover, friend, and enemy as he becomes entangled in the intrigues of both upstairs and downstairs in a glittering society dominated by leisure.

Based on the novel by Thornton Wilder, the last of his works published during his lifetime, Theophilus North is a fascinating coming-of-age story from the vantage point of age, and deftly displays Wilder’s trademark wit juxtaposed with his lively and timeless ruminations on what really matters about life, love, and work at the end of the day.

"Hope pulses so strongly through Theophilus North.... Burnett injects his script with cosmic scope.... Imaginative, forceful theater.... Charming and breathtaking all at once.... In the spirit of Wilder and with a dramatic vigor all its own, the play turns large-hearted living into art." --Mark Blankenship, Variety

O’Connell Theatre