At The Human Race Theatre Company, we believe that every great production extends beyond the stage.

As we prepare to bring Hay Fever by Noël Coward to life, we are thrilled to partner with the Dayton Metro Library to offer a thoughtfully curated reading list that complements the spirit of this delightfully chaotic comedy.

Hay Fever is a masterclass in theatrical mischief, centered on the eccentric Bliss family and their unwitting houseguests, all caught in a whirlwind of melodrama, manners, and social absurdity. To enrich your experience, we invite you to explore these literary selections that echo the play’s elegance, satire, and humor.

Step into the refined yet ridiculous worlds found in:

• A Room with a View by E. M. Forster
• The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays by Oscar Wilde

Both works capture the delicate dance of societal expectations and romantic entanglements with a humor that feels strikingly at home alongside Coward’s world.

For those intrigued by the eccentricities of the upper class, consider:

• Highland Fling by Nancy Mitford
• Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

These novels offer sharp, stylish glimpses into privilege, family dynamics, and the absurdities that often accompany both—mirroring the Bliss family’s theatrical flair and emotional extravagance.

If you’re drawn to the more unpredictable and delightfully offbeat elements of Hay Fever, these selections will resonate:

• French Exit by Patrick deWitt
• An Evening of Long Goodbyes by Paul Murray

Here, you’ll find unforgettable personalities and biting humor.

From Page to Stage

Each of these titles offers a unique lens into the themes that make Hay Fever such an enduring delight: the performance of identity, the chaos of human relationships, and the fine line between sincerity and spectacle.

We invite you to visit your local branch of the Dayton Metro Library to explore this collection, immerse yourself in these stories, and prepare for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Then join us at The Human Race Theatre Company as we bring the Bliss family’s uproarious weekend to life.