THEATER REVIEW
Not-so-desperate housewives stun with lively farce
BY AMY STUMPFL astumpfl@nashvillecitypaper.com
With
the Nashville Shakespeare Festival celebrating its 20th year at
Centennial Park, you might expect things to be getting a bit stale.
But
in fact, NSF is shaking things up with not just one, but two big
comedies – The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
With
its spirited production of The Merry Wives, NSF spins a light-hearted
tale of scheming and romance.
Here,
the roguish Falstaff tries to fleece two wealthy men by seducing their
wives. But before the evening is out, these not-so-desperate housewives
will teach the great knight – and their husbands – a few lessons in
love.
Director Brenda Sparks has
elected to set this production in post World War II, with a New
Orleans/Mardi Gras-inspired Windsor. And while I can’t say this
decision adds a great deal of depth to the play, it certainly
contributes to the lively atmosphere. Scott
Boyd’s attractive set design and Arlita Ellis’ brightly colored costumes make the audience want to jump up and join the party.
And let’s face it – no one wears a Huey Long white linen suit quite like Falstaff.
Nashville
native Thomas Ward is absolutely perfect as the full-figured knight,
mopping sweat and spewing Shakespeare’s prose with convincing fervor.
Ward
enjoys ample support from the entire ensemble – a virtual Who’s Who of
local talent. Rona Carter and Denice Hicks are particularly good as the
conspiring wives. Peter Vann lends a hilarious Inspector Clouseau
quality to the bumbling Dr. Caius and Randall Lancaster raises the roof
as the thoroughly jealous Master Ford.
It’s interesting to note that The Merry Wives of Windsor is by no means a critic’s darling.
According
to legend, Shakespeare quickly threw the play together at the behest of
Queen Elizabeth I, who wanted to see a play about Falstaff in love.
Some
would say the show lacks substance. After all, most of the humor is
based on dim-witted and oversexed men, and when all else fails the Bard
puts poor Falstaff in a dress.
But
having said that, I must admit I’ve always had a weakness for farce.
And in the midst of this heat wave, these light and breezy Wives are a
welcome sight.
It’s no wonder The
Merry Wives of Windsor is a perennial favorite for Shakespeare in the
park. So grab a lawn chair and come celebrate this Nashville tradition.
CP
Photo by Jeff Frazier The cast of The Merry
Wives of Windsor includes Denice Hicks, Thomas Ward and Rona Carter
(left to right).
Jeff Frazier During Shakespeare in the
park, The Two Gentlemen of Verona will be presented during the second
half of its stint at Centennial Park.
