The Emperor of North America at Silver Spring Stage

Travel back in time 160 years ago and meet Joshua Norton of San Francisco, who's just declared himself the first Emperor of North America. Instead of ostracizing him as a madman, his city is charmed and even plays along. In this touching comedy by Thomas Hischak, Norton's story has captivated Leo, a writer. But Leo struggles with competing pressures from his aging father, his girlfriend, his daughter and his agent -- as well as with his own internal conflict -- as he weighs his passion for his work against the draw of commercial success. Get caught up in the real-life historical whimsy of it all when The Emperor of North America opens at Silver Spring Stage.