Under the brilliant direction of Dawn Monique Williams, The Merry Wives of Windsor has been a madcap hit all season. With her signature flair for comedy and community spirit, Williams brings Shakespeare’s beloved characters to life in a way that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. Don’t miss your last chance to experience her vision this week at the Blackfriars Playhouse!
About Dawn Monique Williams
Dawn Monique Williams is the Associate Artistic Director at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, CA, and a nationally recognized director celebrated for her dynamic and innovative storytelling. Her recent credits include the world premiere of Marcus Gardley’s LEAR (Cal Shakes), an audio adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and The Half-Life of Marie Curie by Lauren Gunderson. Her work has earned accolades, such as the Princess Grace Theatre Fellowship and the TCG Leadership U Residency Grant. With an MFA in Directing and an MA in Dramatic Literature, Williams brings both deep academic knowledge and a bold creative vision to every project she takes on.
A Wildly Fun Production
“There are two things that I really love about Merry Wives,” Williams shares. “The first is the character of Anne Page and her love story arc. I know the title is Merry Wives, and I often joke that Anne Page is the merriest wife of all because, ultimately, she wins. That’s always been a very compelling part of the play for me.”
“But,” Williams adds, “the other thing is the true community spirit in this play. This is a community where people are different and sometimes clash over those differences or poke fun at one another over them. But in the end, they all come together, break bread, and celebrate as a community.”
Audiences and critics alike have celebrated the joyful chaos of this production. DC Theatre Arts describes it as “one of those amazing, madcap, one-laugh-per-nanosecond productions” made possible by ASC’s “professional company at the height of its comedic powers.”
Dawn’s Vision and Style
Under Williams’ direction, Merry Wives transforms into a “freewheeling environment that leaves the actors constantly trying to top each other in mayhem” (DC Theatre Arts). The result? A comedic masterpiece filled with quick changes, disguises, and nonstop hilarity.
“This version of Merry Wives audiences can expect a very physical comedy,” says Williams. “We are doing this production with eight actors, so all but one plays multiple characters. There’s lots of running around, lots of quick changes. It’s a really good time.”
A Cast That Shines
The actors in this production have been praised for their brilliant performances and comedic timing. Kenn Hopkins Jr., in the role of Falstaff, is described as “the perfect straight man for all the pranks that the women of Windsor are about to play on him” (DC Theatre Arts).
Meanwhile, Britt Michael Gordon’s turn as three suitors vying for Anne Page’s hand is a standout, with DC Theatre Arts highlighting his “exits and entrances covering the switching of roles” and his ability to “pull it off to great effect.”
The 2024 ASC Repertory Cast performs live music in period costumes on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage before a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Music That Sets the Stage
Arrive early to enjoy live pre-show music, where the cast delivers soulful and fun performances of hits like:
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
- “It Wasn’t Me” by Rik Rok and Shaggy
- “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
As DC Theatre Arts notes, the preshow and intermission music are integral to the experience, with the cast delivering “a rousing chorus of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ which sums up the whole point of the show.”
Celebrate the Final Bow
Don’t miss your last chance to experience the madcap comedy of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Blackfriars Playhouse! Here’s how you can join us:
- Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:30 PM – Stay after the show for a FREE talkback with the cast! Engage in an interactive conversation where the actors share insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and answer your questions.
- Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM – Be part of the joyous closing performance of this high-energy production.
As DC Theatre Arts puts it:
“If you want to see something truly spectacular, might I suggest you include a stop in Staunton, Virginia… and laugh your tail off with a repertory acting company at the height of its comedic powers.”
Laugh, cheer, and celebrate with this remarkable company before the curtain falls. Tickets are selling fast—reserve your seat today, and don’t miss out!
Don’t Miss Out!
Join us for one of the final performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor and see why audiences have been raving all season. Book your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable experience before it’s too late!