Emily F-ing Dickinson: America’s Favorite Recluse
Poet. Recluse. Icon. This is not your English teacher’s Emily Dickinson. Emily F-ing Dickinson: America’s Favorite Recluse is an original solo musical, books, music, lyrics, and performed by Shelley Cooper—a feral, funny, and fiercely musical dive into the mind of a woman who refused to play by anyone’s rules. Featuring a score of original songs inspired by her poetry and spirit. The show is intimate, manic, a little unhinged, and unexpectedly hilarious. Part concert, part confession, part rebellion—it’s one wild night you definitely didn’t read about in class.
What are people saying…
“What a stellar performance by Shelley Cooper in her show, Emily F-ing Dickinson: America’s Favorite Recluse a tour-de-force performance! Emily is up on stage, even before the show begins, making us laugh as the theater rolls through its announcements. She gives us a stunning portrait of two extremes, moving seamlessly between ecstatic mania and rock-bottom depression. In this show, Shelley becomes the character, speaking to the audience from her reclusive state while remaining fully present. The performer’s range is astonishing, particularly being able to blend comedy into her darkest moments.”
-Stage Takes
FAQs
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Poet. Recluse. Icon. This is not your English teacher’s Emily Dickinson. Emily F-ing Dickinson: America’s Favorite Recluse is an original solo musical, books, music, lyrics, and performed by Shelley Cooper—a feral, funny, and fiercely musical dive into the mind of a woman who refused to play by anyone’s rules.
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It is a one women show.
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Yes! You can book the show for your theatre, company, event, etc. You can email me HERE for more info.
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Yes!
Giving Tree Theatre in Cedar Rapids, IA on July 31-August 2
Fall of 2026 in LA TBD
