Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s 'The Merry Wives Of Windsor' Woos Audiences This Spring

ORLANDO, Fla. - Jan. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents The Merry Wives of Windsor from February 4 - March 7, 2015 in the Margeson Theater. Directed by Brian Vaughn (2013’s Othello), Shakespeare’s comedy meets 1950s sitcom in this high-spirited romp full of mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and lots of canned laughter. Also part of the Theater’s Classic Repertory Series, To Kill a Mockingbird (January 21 - March 8) and Henry V (February 18 - March 22) will play concurrently. Tickets to all three productions are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Set in the fictional town of Windsor in late 1950’s America, The Merry Wives of Windsor centers on the pompous and rotund John Falstaff. Hard up for money, he conspires to woo the two wealthiest wives in town and pocket their riches—with disastrous and hilarious consequences.

“This play reminds me of sitcoms that highlighted the innocence of the late 50’s like The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, and Leave it to Beaver,” said Director Brian Vaughn. “The central theme that resonated among all of these programs was that of community and people coming together in the midst of adversity. But they never took themselves too seriously.”

The production features Jean Tafler(Nicholas Nickleby and Titus Andronicus) and Suzanne O’Donnell (Othello and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play) as Mistresses Ford and Page, who outsmart Falstaff played by John Ahlin (Baptista in 2013’s The Taming of the Shrew) by devising a scheme of their own.“The Merry Wives of Windsor is very much about ‘Girl Power’. The fifties were a time of conformity and compliance, as well as great rebellion--each of which is richly inside The Merry Wives of Windsor,” said Vaughn.

Additional casting includes Warren Kelley (Master Ford), Chris Mixon (Dr. Caius), Jamil A.C. Mangan (Master Page), Eric Hoffmann (Sir Hugh Evans), Allison DeCaro (Mistress Quickly), Christopher Niess (Host of the Garter), Mark Ferrera (Shallow), Michael Sheehy (Pistol), Liz Mignacca (Rugby), Ryan M. Skiles (Nym), Anna Carol (Bardolph), Christopher Joel Onken (Fenton), Chris Metz (Simple), Rashad Guy (Slender), Danielle Reneè (Anne Page), and Luke Timmel (Robin).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Set Designer Bert Scott, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Holly Payne, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS
Preview Dates: February 4 & 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Date: February 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Matinees: February 18 and March 4 at 2:00 p.m.
$20 Under 30: February 14 at 7:30 p.m.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY & PRE-SHOW CHAT - Friday, February 6
Arrive at 6:15 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers from Cocina 214 and dessert bites from Raphsodic Bakery (http://www.raphsodic.com/index2.php#/home/). Join us in the Patron's Room at 6:45 p.m. for a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with members of the artistic team. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.

SUNDAY TALK BACK- Sunday, February 22
Stay after the 2:00 p.m. matinee for an informal Q&A with the cast and members of the design team.

TICKET INFORMATION

PRICING
Select Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Select Sundays at 2:00 p.m. – $20, $35, $45
Preview Performances and Senior Matinees – $10, $17, $22

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+
Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices (Only available in Sections A and B; with valid ID)

The Merry Wives of Windsor is sponsored in part by the Orlando Shakespeare Theater Guild. This project is also funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host ofpower2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.