Bard on the Beach’s production of Merry Wives of Windsor is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud – all evening long.
A fat English knight, Sir John Falstaff needs to make a quick buck. Deciding to seduce two wealthy housewives, he sends an identical love letter to both, hoping to enjoy their fortunes. When the wives (who are best friends) discover his plot, they set out to teach him a lesson – or three.
Possibly the best part about this Shakespearean comedy is its delightful Canadian twist, as all the action is set in Windsor, Ontario in the 1960s with all the accouterments to match – beehive hairdos, A-line skirts, go-go boots. It is also set in a pub, which hosts open-mic nights. Almost all the characters belt out a song or two, letting the audience get a taste of all the 60s hit songs, which are woven hilariously in the original plot.
Music, comic revenge plots, choreographed dances – this production of Merry Wives of Windsor will have even the staunchest Shakespeare critic snorting with laughter.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is running until Sept. 24. For tickets, call the Bard box office at 604-739-0559 or get them online at bardonthebeach.org.
