By demand of the late Queen Elizabeth the character of John Falstaff from Henry IV was resurrected to become the central character of Merry Wives of Windsor. In this story Falstaff(played by Alan Blumenfeld) arrives in Windsor very short on money. He decides, to obtain financial advantage by courting two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page. Falstaff decides to send the women identical love letters, and asks his servants – Pistol and Nym – to deliver them to the wives. When they refuse Falstaff sacks them and in revenge the men tell Ford and Page (the husbands) of Falstaff's intentions. Page is not concerned but the jealous Ford persuades the Host of the Garter to introduce him to Falstaff as a 'Master Brook' so that he can find out Falstaff's plans. If you've never read the play, all of these goings on are simply the main story line.
Everything about experiencing this production at Theatricum Botanicum is romantic and charming. The main characters never fail to give remarkably delightful performances. In this production Blumenfeld is a joy to watch as the jolly lustful unscrupulous Falstaff. The bright eyed equally talented Ted Barton as the enraged, impassioned Ford make this play worth seeing. Additionally, Paul Turbiak's smaller part but splendidly performed portrayal as French doctor Caius has the audience laughing out loud.
When: The Merry Wives of Windsor opens on Saturday, June 4 through September 10.
Pricing & General Info: Visit the website or call for a complete schedule of performances. Tickets are from $32 for the lower tier and $20 for the upper tier. Kids 7-12 $10, 6 & under free. Students with ID are $20-$15 and seniors are $25-$18.
Where: The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. (midway between midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley) in Topanga.
General Info: For reservations and information, call 310.455.2322 before May 24 and 310.455.3723 after May 24, or visit online at www.theatricum.com.
Note- For Night time performances Bring a mug, warm blanket or heavy jacket because always is a chill in the air. For any performance pack a picnic basket, bring your wine and cheese to enjoy before the show.
