The Merry Wives of Windsor
by William Shakespeare

Dates and Venue June 17 - September 24, 2016, Evenings 7.30pm (+Sat & Sun matinees 2pm) | BMO Mainstage, Vanier Park

Director Johnna Wright Costume Designer Drew Facey Scenery Designer Pam Johnson Musical Director Ben Elliott Production Stage Manager
Stephen Courtenay

Reviewer Maria Figueiredo

 


In this production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, the director, Johnna Wright moves Shakespeare's comedy (published in 1602) from Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England to Windsor, Ontario, Canada (1968). The actors, however with their boots, cowboy buckles and sundresses can easily make you think you are in the west, in Canadian cattle country. The stage is set with a frontier-looking bar and a band that is fitted with the glittering drums, the guitar and other musical instruments of the time.

While set and costumes suggest the late 60's, it is the musical director Benjamin Elliot's music choices, that include hits like Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and "These Boots Are Made for Walking," that set the mood and keep the whole play rollicking with joy and surprises. Many of the scenes become over the top, funny. The hilarious, light-hearted warmth of humorous tales with secrets, misunderstandings and revenge are acted with so much enthusiasm and talent that the play is a hoot and a wonderful escape from the problems of real life.

From Pam Johnson's scenery to Drew Facey's floral retro outfits the play moves slowly at first but picks up speed as it volleys along into peels of hilarity. Director Johnna Wright invents a way of making the Bard's rather 'simple' story of how an ex-pat John Falstaff hopes to woo a couple of rich wives into solving his money problems into a musical comedy.

Helping to bring the 60s to life is a cast that is extremely talented and versatile. They each do a wonderful job of singing, playing musical instruments and acting their individual roles with skill and humour. Sir John Falstaff is the central character that is played brilliantly by Ashley Wright; acting to perfection as the pompous, overweight and arrogant Falstaff who is finally brought to his knees. Katey Wright and Amber Lewis are well paired in their colourful crinolined skirts and their bouffant hair-dos as the mischievous and conniving housewives.

Page (Tom Picket) and Ford (Scott Bellis) play their roles well. Bellis is able to keep the audience captivated as he plays the beatnik, Mr. Brook. His fabulous voice rendering Hank Williams' "Your Cheating Heart" and Tammy Wynette's song, "It's Hard to be a Woman" -- with a hilarious twist, keeps one engaged and outright cracking up when he is able to do a perfect somersault into the waiting clothes basket. Jennifer Lines as Mistress Quickly is a marvel to behold. She's a veritable fairy, an exceptional dancer and perfect in her maid's role.

The Merry Wives of Windsor though a rather drawn out play (over 2 and half hours long) will keep you merry. Be prepared to laugh and enjoy a rather frivolous but amusing production.

© 2016 Maria Figueiredo