It’s not a holiday show, per se, but the spirit of the season pervades Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s (CST) take on Wiliam Shakespeare’s great comedy,“The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
It’s a farcical romp, but ultimately, it is also a story of forgiveness and understanding, set against a winter backdrop.
Directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, this version of the classic is set in post-World War II England, replete with ’40s fashion and swinging music. The cast does double duty, swapping lines and performing numerous songs (coached by Musical Director and Evanston favorite son Doug Peck) quite ably, each song chosen carefully to complement the story. I was especially thrilled to hear once again the dulcet tones of Heidi Kettenring (Mistress Ford) and Ross Lehman (Master Ford).
The action finds Falstaff (Scott Jaeck, impressive in his fat-suit girth), here an insolvent British war veteran, drunkenly scheming to find favor among the amiable wives of Windsor, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page (Kelli Fox), in hopes of hitting it rich. The wives, finding him out, have other plans, and merriment ensues. Windsor is clearly a town where the women rule the roost, despite the men’s insistence in believing they are in charge.
Complicating the plot are the young lovers, American flyboy Fenton (Matt Mueller) and the young and beautiful Anne Page (Tiffany Yvonne Cox); her clueless suitors, Slender (Steven Sutcliffe, hilariously awkward) and the very, very French Dr. Caius (Greg Vinkler, who slays me); the husbands, Master Ford and Master Page (Kevin Gudahl), who love their wives but rightly distrust Falstaff; Mistress Quickly (Angela Ingersoll), the country girl with plans of her own…and three real, live dogs, including the adorable Cricket the Golden Doodle (Gaines’ own dog, in a clear but forgivable case of casting nepotism).
Gaines keeps the show bubbling along at a good clip, and her staging makes ample use of the aisles for the coming and going of the large and talented cast. The running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes (including intermission), but it never feels long. You will be swept up by the story—still fresh after 400 years—and the characters within, not to mention the gorgeous visuals of scenic designerJames Noone and costume designer Susan E. Mickey.
If there is a lovelier theatre venue in Chicago, I’ve yet to see it. There’s something about the CST Courtyard Theater that is both compelling as well as charming; it’s easy to see why actors love to perform here.
Great comedy, song, dance…”The Merry Wives of Windsor” has it all. Make this show one of your choices this holiday. You won’t regret it.
“The Merry Wives of Windsor” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater runs through January 19 in CST’s Courtyard Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. For tickets and information, call 312-595-5600 orvisit the theater’s website.
