Wives at S&Co : More the Merrier
Big, fat Sir John Falstaff (Malcolm Ingram) tells everybody, early on during "The Merry Wives of Windsor," that he will make love both to Alice Ford (played with daffy, zany appeal by Elizabeth Aspenlieder) and Meg Page (Corinna May -- reasonable in comparison to Aspenlieder).
Meanwhile, Anne Page (Katie Zaffrann) has several men following her around -- subplot! She and Fenton (Ryan Winkles) are an eventual lovely couple, singing a sweet song at the outset of the second portion of the play.
The Mistresses Alice and Meg make comparison of scrolls each has received from Falstaff. Dadum -- the letters are precisely identical. Form that point on, "Merry Wives" becomes a matter of who will be duped by whom.
Actor Michael Hammond (S&Co seasoned performer whose Lear at Brandeis a year ago was thoughtful and impressive) is cast as Frank Ford, husband to Alice. Ford transforms himself into a person known as "Brook." In this way, utilizing the alias, Ford becomes aware of Falstaff's aspirations.
"Merry Wives" is far from Shakespeare's finest effort. Hence, a lengthy exposition cannot be swiftly traversed -- despite the best efforts of a terrific creative team led by director Tony Simotes. He and dance choreographer Susan Dibble move this production along whenver possible. It is not until post-intermission that the show flies with its full flare -- realizing maximum comic potential. At this point, "Merry Wives" is nothing short of fun, and frolic. It's a joy to behold.
Along the way, Mistress Ford disguises Falstaff as an old woman. Soon, the two women inform their husbands that what they've done has been executed in order to plot against Falstaff. Perhaps that is what occurs when rich, beautiful wives to whom not enough attention has been paid find a purpose. In this case, with imagination and zeal, the ladies exact revenge upon Falstaff. The rotund one, meanwhile, who had grown short on funds, thought he would quickly amplify his bank account to match his girth.
The sometimes hoot-a-minute supportive company members, including Robert Biggs as Sir Hugh Evans, Jonathan Croy as Dr. Caius, the French physician, and Elizabeth Ingram as Mistress Quickly, are splendid.
The principals, including Malcolm Ingram, Aspenlieder, May, and Hammond are absolutely first-rate. Watch them act!
Moreover, this production demonstrates just why the company portion of Shakespeare & Company is nothing short of vital.
Take Simotes, whose stamp is firmly affixed to the show. As a founding member way back when and as an actor, director, and teacher, he has trained with Shakespeare & Company, trained others, performed and ventured elsewhere as a multi-talented person of the theater.
Several years ago, at Bennington College, I was fortunate enough to watch as Simotes facilitated a movement workshop. Coaxed to join, I participated -- if briefly. Simotes is smart and disciplined. His students, that day, were learning craft.
Now, he is working with actors (in leading roles) who have been with the company for more than a decade. Each is versatile. It is Simotes' job to motivate, push "Merry Wives" forward, opening up creative faucets at appropriate moments (during the final portion), and allow these superb actors to flourish.
Performed during its given period, the early 1600's, "Merry Wives of Windsor" fits the current era as well. Ever been jealous?
The show continues at the Founders Theater in Lenox through September 2nd.
Meanwhile, Anne Page (Katie Zaffrann) has several men following her around -- subplot! She and Fenton (Ryan Winkles) are an eventual lovely couple, singing a sweet song at the outset of the second portion of the play.
The Mistresses Alice and Meg make comparison of scrolls each has received from Falstaff. Dadum -- the letters are precisely identical. Form that point on, "Merry Wives" becomes a matter of who will be duped by whom.
Actor Michael Hammond (S&Co seasoned performer whose Lear at Brandeis a year ago was thoughtful and impressive) is cast as Frank Ford, husband to Alice. Ford transforms himself into a person known as "Brook." In this way, utilizing the alias, Ford becomes aware of Falstaff's aspirations.
"Merry Wives" is far from Shakespeare's finest effort. Hence, a lengthy exposition cannot be swiftly traversed -- despite the best efforts of a terrific creative team led by director Tony Simotes. He and dance choreographer Susan Dibble move this production along whenver possible. It is not until post-intermission that the show flies with its full flare -- realizing maximum comic potential. At this point, "Merry Wives" is nothing short of fun, and frolic. It's a joy to behold.
Along the way, Mistress Ford disguises Falstaff as an old woman. Soon, the two women inform their husbands that what they've done has been executed in order to plot against Falstaff. Perhaps that is what occurs when rich, beautiful wives to whom not enough attention has been paid find a purpose. In this case, with imagination and zeal, the ladies exact revenge upon Falstaff. The rotund one, meanwhile, who had grown short on funds, thought he would quickly amplify his bank account to match his girth.
The sometimes hoot-a-minute supportive company members, including Robert Biggs as Sir Hugh Evans, Jonathan Croy as Dr. Caius, the French physician, and Elizabeth Ingram as Mistress Quickly, are splendid.
The principals, including Malcolm Ingram, Aspenlieder, May, and Hammond are absolutely first-rate. Watch them act!
Moreover, this production demonstrates just why the company portion of Shakespeare & Company is nothing short of vital.
Take Simotes, whose stamp is firmly affixed to the show. As a founding member way back when and as an actor, director, and teacher, he has trained with Shakespeare & Company, trained others, performed and ventured elsewhere as a multi-talented person of the theater.
Several years ago, at Bennington College, I was fortunate enough to watch as Simotes facilitated a movement workshop. Coaxed to join, I participated -- if briefly. Simotes is smart and disciplined. His students, that day, were learning craft.
Now, he is working with actors (in leading roles) who have been with the company for more than a decade. Each is versatile. It is Simotes' job to motivate, push "Merry Wives" forward, opening up creative faucets at appropriate moments (during the final portion), and allow these superb actors to flourish.
Performed during its given period, the early 1600's, "Merry Wives of Windsor" fits the current era as well. Ever been jealous?
The show continues at the Founders Theater in Lenox through September 2nd.
posted by Fred Sokol at 6:05 AM
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