Theatre
& Stage
reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff
The Merry
Wives Of Windsor (thru November 21)
It is hard
to think of "situation Comedy" in terms other
than television, but Director Barbara Gaines
in staging Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives
of Windsor" equates this comedy as the first
situation comedy. This play centers on the
lovable rogue Sir John Falstaff (handled superbly
of the master of comedy Greg Vinkler). Hard
up for money, Falstaff arrives in Windsor
and hopes to seduce the wives of two of the
town's rich citizens, Master Ford (the other
great Shakespearian comedy actor, Ross Lehman)
and Master Page (the always solid Joel Hatch).
Falstaff's plans go awry with disastrous and
humiliating consequences when the wives learn
of his plot and trick him into situations
that are pure delight.Handling the roles of
the wives are Ora Jones and Lise Bruneau,
both able to play with these fine comic actors.
The cast that has been assembled for this
production is as fine as one could want. Experienced
actors who have done musicals and comedies
throughout the area; Outstanding in their
roles- Lusia Strus, Rob Riley,Bernie Landis
(a Chicago landmark), Don Forston, Erich Buchholz,
Matthew Krause and a very special performance
by Scott Jaeck as you have not seen him before.
James Noone's
rotating set and Marianne Verheyen's costumes
with great lighting by Anne Militello all
help to bring this comedy to light and the
original music that has been added (score
by Alaric Jans with additional lyrics by Cheri
Coons) adds just the right touch. "Merry Wives"
is the funniest of The Bard's works and even
non- Shakespeare theater-goers will love this
production. The dialogue is easy to follow-
the direction and acting is superb- this is
a DO NOT MISS.
The Merry
Wives of Windsor will run through November
21st at Chicago's Shakespeare Theater at Navy
Pier with performances as follows:
