By Alayna Een
With no program or pomp, the Grassroots Shakespeare Company’s performance of William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor in Orem, Utah’s SCERA Center for the Arts capitalizes on lively minimalism to perform Shakespeare how the bard himself would have played it. The entire production is put on by nine talented actors and two live musicians. The actors do everything themselves, from collaborative directing to personal costuming, and they pull it together with only 40 hours of total rehearsal time. In a continued homage to the bard, the roles are assigned with genderfluidity in mind and the wooden stage and curtained entrances reflect the simple set that would have been used in the original productions of Shakespearean plays. With the production elements simplified to the utmost, the Grassroots Shakespeare Company can do what it does best: engage the audience, let the characters shine, and infuse Shakespeare with authentic fun.
The Merry Wives of Windsor was first published in 1602 and is loosely set in the fifteenth century. It features Falstaff, a comedic character first introduced in Henry IV (Part 1 and 2), who, down on his luck, comes to Windsor and attempts to woo the wives of two rich merchants by sending them identical and ill-conceived love letters. The wives (Mistress Page and Mistress Ford) share the letters with each other and determine to avenge themselves on the foolish Falstaff through a series of embarrassments brought about by interrupted romantic rendezvouses. Master Ford, jealous of his wife’s rumored suitor, zealously strives to apprehend the pair and unwittingly helps in the plot. Mistress Page’s daughter Anne faces her own relationship woes with three suitors, the most unsuitable of which her parents intend to force on her. All comes to a happy, hilarious end with a few more tricks in Windsor Forest and a mirthful reminiscence once all deceit is done away.
The evening begins with a green show featuring the talented live musicians Gary Argyle (guitar) and Soren Budge (accordion) and several actors taking turns with the whimsical or Gaelic lyrics, after which the company introduces itself and the play.
The ever faithful—but not fair-dealing—Mistress Ford (Drake Hansen) plays the bait for the wives’ revenge and falsely simpers and flirts with Falstaff. Hansen has great expression and comedic timing, especially when playing opposite Alyssa Vaughn (Mistress Page). Alyssa Vaughn portrays Mistress Page as clever and put-together and ready for any weather. Her poise pairs with her girlish glee at a trap well set, and the dynamic duo is genuinely fun to watch.
Falstaff may be fallible, but Daniel Anderson’s portrayal is not, so convincingly does he take on the faults and follies of this beloved Shakespeare character. Anderson portrays egotism without alienating himself from the audience and acts morose without bringing down the lively energy of the play.
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A star in any role, Alex Vaughn (Anne Page/Pistol/Rugby/Second Servant) plays the desirable Anne Page with the full vivacity and determination of young love and shares easy chemistry with Sol Harmon (Sir Hugh Evans/Fenton), who plays Fenton as the sincere romantic hero you can genuinely root for. Alex Vaughn’s characters were as compelling as they were varied, from the lovely Anne page to the gruff and grunting Rugby to the helpful Pistol, and Harmon’s fussy and overbearing Sir Hugh Evans is someone you’re glad that you don’t know in real life.
Brandon Bills (Master Ford) plays the insecure and jealous husband and adds well-placed nasally whines, animated antics, and hilarious hair flips that keep the audience grinning. Jarrith McCoy (Master Page/Mistress Quickly) adds flair to his characters with a bit of bravado, guileless greed, and unquestionable fashion.
Seven Harrison (Doctor Caius/Nym), apart from his penny-whistle prowess, never left the stage without first drawing the audience’s laughter, either as the bent and obsequious servant or the foolish and flamboyant Frenchman. It takes a clever actor to be so convincingly young and foolish, and that’s what Chase Schetselaar (Slender/Simple/First Servant) brings to Slender. Chase’s costuming (which includes a whirly-top hat and a child’s backpack with leash) really added to the subordination of the silly, reluctant would-be lover.
The Grassroots Shakespeare Company bring the lines and dialog to life by turning to the audience while asking questions and bravely pausing for (and reacting to) its responses. The company also uses live music as a tool for mirth and increased characterization, such as the sad accordion when Master Ford fears his wife’s infidelity and the carnival tunes when Doctor Caius calls. Maybe hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but The Merry Wives of Windsor will show you just what two women wrongly wooed will do—and all the hilarity that can ensue. Near the end of the play, Mistress Page sticks Falstaff with a final barb, asking, “How like you Windsor wives?” I think I speak for all the audience at Orem, Utah’s SCERA Center for the Arts when I say, “we like them very much.”
Grassroots Shakespeare Company Presents The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespesare
The SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S State St, Orem, UT 84058
January 6–8, 2021, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $10 seniors and children, $12 adults
Grassroots Shakespeare Company website
Grassroots Shakespeare Company Facebook Page
Merry Wives of Windsor Facebook Event
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