“In this show, multiple male characters underestimate two ‘merry wives’ who end up putting the foolish males through a series of trials and humiliations,” said Amy Askins, who portrays Mistress Ford and was the hilariously scheming Melpomene in the Dayton Playhouse’s local premiere of “Xanadu” last season. “Perhaps this show is a timely reminder to those among us who feel a woman’s identity is wholly dependent on her relationship to the men around her.”
Everyone’s got blind spots
“This show is very light and all of the characters have huge blind spots,” added director/founder Patrick Allyn Hayes, who appeared as conflicted Dr. Frederick Treves in the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “The Elephant Man” last season.
“There are things these characters are simply incapable of seeing. For instance, when Falstaff looks in the mirror he doesn’t see a 65-year-old overweight man but a 30-year-old stud. He sees himself as he is in his prime. So, there is a huge blind spot when he thinks he’s going to romance these particular women. The blind spots throughout allow the characters to walk into obvious traps.”
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The cast, ranging from ages 10 to 80, includes Thomas Stiver as Falstaff, Janet Wasson as Mistress Page, Michael Schumacher as Ford, Shaun Diggs as Page, Hannah Rahe Goodman as Ann Page, Coleman Clark as Fenton, Vanessa Friday as Mistress Quickly, Mark Andrew Reuter as Sir Hugh Evans, Isaac Hollister as Dr. Caius, Cullen J. Bower as Host, Bill Styles as Shallow, Ben Sanders as Slender, William Snider as Robin, and Abby Rutan as Simple. Nearly all cast members will be portraying multiple roles as well.
A shortened running time
Hayes, notably trimming the script to roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes without intermission and incorporating elements of commedia dell'arte, says he's excited to present the play at Carillon Park. The venue provides a livelier ambiance inherent to what he has always desired for the troupe.
“I always foresaw Bespoke (embracing) more of a festive or festival atmosphere where people could get food, grab a beer, sit outside, and watch a show,” he said. “We want to create the atmosphere that might have been at the Globe Theatre when Shakespeare was writing his plays.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "The Merry Wives of Windsor"
Where: The lawn behind Carillon Brewing Co. at Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
When: Aug. 18-27; 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays
Cost: Free but donations are encouraged
More info: Visit Bespoke Theatre on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BespokeTheatreCo
FYI: Patrons are reminded to bring their own seating
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