THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
GREAT LAKES THEATER
March 22-April7, 2024
For tickets call 216-241-6000 or go to www.greatlakestheater.org
Roy Berko
Though generally described as a lesser work, with the right production, the tale of Falstaff, the rotund rascal who attempts, unsuccessfully, to woo and con the two wealthiest married ladies in the town of Windsor, can be a delight. GLT’s staging, with its glorious set, entrancing costumes, and wonderful acting is so good, that even if you aren’t a Bardophile, it’s a must-see.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
With
any other company this would be a tough production to pull off but in
the hands of GLT this madcap farce about the over weight and over
sexed rascal trying to con two ladies of means in Windsor is a feast
of comic theater. Old fans and newbies of the Bard will all agree
that this is must see theater. It’s all fun until someone gets
dumped in the canal then it becomes hilarious.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
There are some laughs to be had in this Wives, thanks to the script that is in many ways foolproof, as is the physical humor. But overall, the merriment is less merry than it might be.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, now at the Hanna Theatre, featured Sir John Falstaff, an oft-drunk, always clownish, would-be womanizer. His scenes provided comic relief in Shakespeare’s Serious (and grim) dramas about the Tudor family’s rise to power. (See Henry IV, Parts I and 2, as well as Henry V.) Elizabethan-era audiences adored Falstaff. They clamored for more.
As a result, Falstaff got his own show. And why not? History — like the news — can be depressing. And, as The Merry Wives of Windsor demonstrates, marriage, love, sex and politics can be funny.
And so, it seems, Shakespeare obliged with more fat Falstaff jokes, although, as Director Terri McMahon notes, The Merry Wives of Windsor is set in an era contemporary with Shakespeare’s own.
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Bottom Line: The brawling, egotistical clown that is Falstaff gets a play of his own. He may not have deserved one. Despite valiant efforts and the talented Great Lakes Theater cast, opening night seemed too slow-paced for farce. It is highly likely in later shows (last performance is April 7), the pace will pick up and all will revel in this classic comedy.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Kate Klotzbach
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR is full of classic Shakespearean plot points: mistaken identities, misunderstandings, disguises, and joyful conspiracies amidst foes, friends, and lovers... All-in-all the show is worth seeing, whether you are a seasoned Shakespearian or a first-time watcher who is “Shakespeare-curious.”
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Joey Morona
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
