Review: The Merry Wives of Windsor

Review: The Merry Wives of Windsor  | Openstage Theatre & Company | Fort Collins, CO | Curtain Up! | Gina Robertson

The Merry Wives of Windsor is coming to the end of its run at the Center for Creativity in Fort Collins. Come see Openstage Theatre & Company bring this bold, rowdy comedy to the outside courtyard there this summer.

A silly, bawdy farce about marriage, sex, and practical jokes, it is the story of John Falstaff, said to be a favorite character of Queen Elizabeth I, who tries to reverse his financial embarrassment by seducing two wealthy married women simultaneously. The wives compare notes and conspire to make a fool of him instead. Meanwhile, three young men are vying to marry the daughter of one of the wives, and an elopement is planned, but whose favored suitor will come away with the hand of the young lady?

Patience is the essential virtue while sitting in the audience of an outdoor theater, viewing one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known comedies on a “weatherish” summer night in Colorado. The production is a bit unsteady in the first act, with lines rushed and physical comedy not quite hitting as intended. The first act was also beset this night by many common challenges of outdoor theater:  a 10-minute pause for rain, loud mufflers on cars driving by, large insects falling from the trees to land upon one’s face, emergency sirens, loud children playing in the park nearby, city buses with air brakes, uncomfortable folding chairs.

Persist through all of that, though, and Act II is where it really comes together.

Finally, the characters are familiar, the dialogue has slowed down enough to follow it, and many of the various jokes and prop gags begin to pay off with real laughs. The climax of the play hits after dark and is visually striking with lighted costumes and smoke effects.

Ryan Fleming plays the jolly, round Falstaff with good-natured grumbling, leering at women, and well-played physical gags involving baskets, walls, and other props. As a trickster, he is tricked and manages to elicit sympathy despite bringing about his own torment.

Staci York, Ryan Fleming, and Kim Lancaster; Photo credit: Cassie Freedman

The merry wives are in their element, competent ladies taking charge. Madam Page (Kim Lancaster) and Madam Ford (Staci York) are a delightful pair as they work together to outwit poor Falstaff.

Comedy gold is found in certain moments, such as young Slender (Darren Cull) struggling with Justice Shallow (Tom Cudmore) in a physical gag that persists to an absurd degree, prompting Mistress Anne (Annabeth Lofton) to note wryly, “This is my father’s choice.” In another well-timed bit, Mistress Quickly (Rebecca Pollyea) repeatedly mispronounces words, and Henry Blake as Robin, sitting nearby, repeatedly corrects her.

David Austin-Groen cleverly portrays the jealous Master Ford, one of the husbands who would be cuckolded by Falstaff if he succeeds in his endeavors. He is appropriately ridiculous in his wigged disguise, and his expressive face gives the character a captivating charm.

David Austin-Groen and Steven P Sickles; Photo Credit: Cassie Freedman

This production incorporates recognizable TV show theme songs in the soundtrack, adding a fun “how many can you recognize?” game for viewers’ enjoyment as well as setting the tone for this fluffy TV sitcom kind of tale. Director Kate Austin-Groen chose to dive into the broad comic roots while honoring the play’s “deeper themes of community, forgiveness and the power of kindness.”

Choreographer Marissa J Dienstag deserves praise for the well-designed conflict and dance scenes at the climax of the play. Much of the action takes place practically in the laps of those in the front row. Pagan chanting, dancing, and twirling are enough to bring goosebumps, along with Rebecca Evans’s lighted costumes and lots of smoke.

Catch The Merry Wives of Windsor presented by OpenStage Theatre & Company now through July 11 at the Center for Creativity in Fort Collins. 

For Information and Tickets: https://openstage.com/