Shakespeare Theatre Company set for The Merry Wives of Windsor

The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award, brings its celebrated 25th Anniversary Season to an end with William Shakespeare's riotous romp The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by celebrated British director Stephen Rayne. The production marks the first performance of this comedic favorite at STC in more than a decade. Merry Wives will take place in the Company's Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW) from June 12-July 15, 2012.

The Merry Wives of Windsor tells the story of the conniving Falstaff, an impoverished knight, who plots to woo two wealthy wives at the same time. His plan backfires and the cunning wives seek revenge, bringing chaos to the small market town of Windsor and embarrassment after embarrassment to Falstaff. STC Affiliated Artist Veanne Cox returns as Margaret Page, accompanied by Broadway veterans Michael Mastro as Ford and David Schramm as Falstaff, among others.

Set at the end of World War I in the wealth-conscious atmosphere of a small English town, Stephen Rayne's production celebrates the uniquely British humor of Shakespeare's comedy and draws parallels in social shifts and emerging classism between the 16th century and post-WWI society. Rayne predicts that Merry Wives' social-climbing characters and class-based humor will appeal to modern audiences because of their timelessness and relatability. "The play is about aspiration and wealth, about the middle class using (or misusing) language as a means of positioning themselves in class," adds Rayne. Upon beginning rehearsal, Rayne is enthusiastic about working with this cast and noted that he is "excited to get back to doing Shakespeare for such a prestigious company, and working with American actors."

To purchase tickets or to learn more, patrons can call the box office at 202.547.1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org.