The Merry Wives of Windsor

Directed by Jenni Stewart

Associate Directed by Nic McMinn

Audience Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 Hours with a15 minute Intermission
Accessible Seating: Yes, several seat available
Hearing Devices: Not available
Sensory Friendly Show: All performances are sensory-friendly
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable Volume Level
Audio/Visuals to Prepare For:Depictions of comedic violence, inappropriate gestures for children under 13, sexual references

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Shakespeare was roughly 30 years old when he seems to have come to the realization that women are, in fact, pretty funny and clever to boot! Around the age of 36, he wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor, where he puts two female friends on display, showing us just how witty and full of spirit two women can be, especially when they've joined forces. Shakespeare says, "Know thyself," but to the same degree, I think it's also wise to "Know thy spouse," something that nearly every character in this play gets right. Master Ford could use a wakeup call, and that's just what his wife and her bestie for life, Mistress Page aim to do, but he's not the only one who learns a hard lesson.

Jealous husband, Master Ford is played perfectly by none other than Omar Padilla, whose slow-simmered fury adds insult to injury when he disguises himself as Mr. Brook after he's learned that his awkwardly nerdy (but soon-to-be smokin' hot) wife, Mistress Ford (Nicole Berastequi) is being pursued by sleaze-bucket trickster Sir John Falstaff (Ethan Norris.) She's not the only one, either! Master Page's wife, saucy good-time girl Mistress Page (Nicole Denson) is also being pursued by Sir John Falstaff. (I use the term "Sir" very loosely, considering he is anything but that!) Contrary to Ford, the calm and collected Master Page (Sean M. Lewis) is unchanged, unbothered and unworried. He's learned two things: 1. He can trust his wife. 2. She can hold her own. He advises his friend Ford to follow suit. Ford, however, thinks Page is an idiot and decides to put his wife's fidelity on the grill to see how it cooks. May the best man win!

When Falstaff is on the prowl toward Mistress Ford, he is soon lured into a basket of dirty of laundry by the women and dumped into the river to cool. This does not detour him, and he sets his course a second time, which leaves him beaten and burnt when the women dress him up as "the fat witch of Brainford." He is unwavering and relentless in his desire, but unfortunately for him, he's met his match! The ladies turn up the heat with lesson number three, which invites fairy spirits from the underworld who pinch, prod and traumatize the poor bastard into submission.

Meanwhile, sweet-as-pie daughter Anne Page (Caitlin Chapa) has been up to her own devices after being promised to three men, only one of which she intends to marry. While Master Page arranges for Anne to meet with his frat-buddy Slender (played with hilarious dum-dum idiocrasy by Jon Garrard) and elope, Mistress Page has arranged for Anne to meet with wealthy Frenchman, Dr. Caius (played by Brandon Whitlock with delicious flamboyant flavor) to do the same. Mistress Quickly, played by Tiana Shuntae Alexander, seizes every opportunity to "help" the lovestruck suitors and take any coin they will spare to up their chances. Anne, however, is a woman of her own mind and her own plans. The apple didn't fall far from Momma's tree! She secures her marriage, unbeknownst to her parents, to Master Fenton, played with wholesome sweetness by Evan Christopher Arnold.

Set design by Uldarico Sarmiento transports us to the Page family's Garter Lodge, where clubhouse patrons enjoy, food, wine and good times in between their secret hand-shake greetings, and Falstaff shenanigans. Costume design by Nick Lafleur gives each character their own flare of style in their house-colors of blue and red and rugged denim for the all-hat-and-no-cattle cowboy Falstaff. Lighting design by Lori Honeycutt gives us fun flare through Sarmiento's trap-door in the floor, where things keep cookin' in the kitchen!

Shakespeare Dallas is the BEST hangout spot for anyone who loves a great night picnicking under the stars, friendly faces and a cool Summer night's breeze. Make your way to the Samuel Grand Amphitheatre in Dallas to see Merry Wives of Windsor! Coming up this weekend is also Shakespeare Dallas' Alice in Wonderland! You can see both shows this Summer by visiting shakespearedallas.org.

Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie