September 12 – November 23

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“Wives may be merry, and yet honest too.” – Act 4, Scene 2

Embark on a delightful journey of mischief, pranks, and folly with The Merry Wives of Windsor, a play that, according to urban legend, was inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s request for a tale featuring the eccentric Sir John Falstaff in love. However, in this uproarious comedy, rather than finding Falstaff in love, we find him entangled in the shrewd schemes of two clever Windsor wives who unite to outwit one of Shakespeare’s most endearing scoundrels. Set against the backdrop of Elizabethan domestic life and featuring an eclectic ensemble of zany characters, this irresistible comic confection weaves together romance and farce to create a joyful story of community and family.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the playful high jinks and clever antics that will unfold onstage in this production directed by Dawn Monique Williams. Secure your tickets now for an outing filled with laughter, tomfoolery, and the timeless allure of Shakespearean comedy!

Run time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including one 15-minute intermission)

Age requirement: 7 and up (Due to PG-13 content, this particular title is recommended for high school ages and up. Read our full policies here)

Read more about our Staging Conditions and Casting Practices here.

 

Gallery

Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page, Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly, and Summer England as Anne Page perform a masked dance scene in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center, capturing the spirit of ASC's Renaissance-style Shakespeare performances. Photo by October Grace Media.
Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page and Sara Linares as Mistress Ford sharing a laugh on stage in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. The two actors wear colorful Renaissance costumes, showcasing ASC's lively Shakespearean theater. Photo by October Grace Media.
Kenn Hopkins, Jr. as Falstaff and Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page in a humorous scene from The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Hopkins sits in a 'Windsor Mead Laundry' cart, a comedic moment in ASC's Renaissance theater production. Photo by October Grace Media.
Britt Michael Gordon as Dr. Caius and Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Gordon gestures on stage in a Renaissance costume, engaging with the audience in ASC’s unique Shakespeare production. Photo by October Grace Media.
American Shakespeare Center's Fall 2024 Repertory Cast performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. Actors in colorful Renaissance costumes engage with a live audience, showcasing ASC's immersive Shakespearean theater experience. Photo by October Grace Media.
Aidan O'Reilly as Sir Hugh Evans in The Merry Wives of Windsor, performed at the American Shakespeare Center. O'Reilly leans over a Renaissance balcony with a letter, dressed in a black and white period costume. Photo by October Grace Media.
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.

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.

Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page, Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly, and Summer England as Anne Page perform a masked dance scene in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center, capturing the spirit of ASC's Renaissance-style Shakespeare performances. Photo by October Grace Media.
Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page and Sara Linares as Mistress Ford sharing a laugh on stage in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. The two actors wear colorful Renaissance costumes, showcasing ASC's lively Shakespearean theater. Photo by October Grace Media.
Kenn Hopkins, Jr. as Falstaff and Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page in a humorous scene from The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Hopkins sits in a 'Windsor Mead Laundry' cart, a comedic moment in ASC's Renaissance theater production. Photo by October Grace Media.
Britt Michael Gordon as Dr. Caius and Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Gordon gestures on stage in a Renaissance costume, engaging with the audience in ASC’s unique Shakespeare production. Photo by October Grace Media.
American Shakespeare Center's Fall 2024 Repertory Cast performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. Actors in colorful Renaissance costumes engage with a live audience, showcasing ASC's immersive Shakespearean theater experience. Photo by October Grace Media.
Aidan O'Reilly as Sir Hugh Evans in The Merry Wives of Windsor, performed at the American Shakespeare Center. O'Reilly leans over a Renaissance balcony with a letter, dressed in a black and white period costume. Photo by October Grace Media.
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.

Learn More About the Show

Stuff That Happens
  • Justice Robert Shallow and his young relative Abraham Slender arrive at their friend Master Page’s house to confront the notorious Sir John Falstaff who has “beaten my men, killed my deer, and broke open my lodge.” Sir Hugh Evans accompanies Justice Shallow in an effort to mediate the dispute.
  • Justice Shallow and Slender meet Falstaff in front of Page’s house. Falstaff defuses the situation and joins the Pages for dinner.
  • Justice Shallow, Sir Hugh, and Master Page attempt to match the reluctant Slender with Master Page’s daughter, Anne.
  • At the Garter Inn, Falstaff tells his men that he is low on money. He devises a scheme to woo Mistress Ford and Mistress Page to get at their husbands’ money.
  • Sir Hugh sends Slender’s servant, Peter Simple, to Mistress Quickly to ask for her help in wooing Anne Page for Slender. The idea backfires when Mistress Quickly’s employer, Dr. Caius (who is trying to woo Anne for himself), finds Simple at his house. Dr. Caius challenges Sir Hugh to a duel.
  • Fenton, another suitor to Anne Page, also comes to Mistress Quickly for help in wooing Anne.
  • Mistress Page and Mistress Ford receive identical love letters from Falstaff. They plot how to get revenge on the lecherous knight.
  • Falstaff’s men, Pistol and Nym, betray Falstaff by telling Master Ford and Master Page about Falstaff’s efforts to seduce their wives.
  • Jealousy, disguises, dunkings, fairies, and reconciliations ensue.
Add The Merry Wives of Windsor to Your Collection

Pick up your copy of The Merry Wives of Windsor from the Arden Shakespeare Third Series—renowned for its world-class scholarly editions of Shakespeare’s plays, poems, and sonnets.

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Music Setlist

Experience The Merry Wives of Windsor like never before at the American Shakespeare Center! Be sure to arrive early to enjoy live pre-show music performed by our talented cast. This season’s set list includes:

  • “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
  • “Love Is Strange” by Mickey & Sylvia
  • “Rich Girl” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
  • “It Wasn’t Me” by Rik Rok & Shaggy
  • “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

From classic hits to Shakespearean wit, this production is packed with energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Join us at Blackfriars Playhouse for an evening of comedy, music, and magic!

 

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