Shakespeare’s tale of love, jealousy and social class “The Merry Wives of Windsor” is performed June 14-17 and June 21-24 in Nichols Arboretum as the 12th season of Shakespeare in the Arb continues.
“Merry Wives” features Sir John Falstaff, one of the bard’s best-known characters. Directed by Kate Mendeloff of the Residential College (RC) and performed by RC students and staff and local actors, the outdoor production draws thousands of theater fans. Mendeloff leads the audience and actors throughout the Arboretum, taking advantage of the vistas, valleys and other natural features.
Jean Leverich, Martin Walsh and Maria Thomas perform in the Shakespeare in the Arb production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” It is presented Thursdays through Sundays through June 24 in the Nichols Arboretum. Photo by Jonathan Phineas White.
Shakespeare in the Arb began in 2001 when Mendeloff was asked to direct an outdoor production as part of a Ford Motor Co. granåt for Arts in Nichols Arboretum. She chose Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The popular production spawned the ongoing series.
The Arb and Shakespeare have turned out to be the perfect marriage, says Matthaei-Nichols Director Robert Grese. “When I first heard Kate talk about an ‘environmental’ production, where the audience takes in all the sensory experiences of being in the Arboretum together with the dialogue and action of the play, I was totally hooked,” he says.
The box office opens at 5 p.m. for Matthaei-Nichols members, and 5:30 p.m. for the general public, at the Washington Heights entrance. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. For ticket prices and more information, go to www.tinyurl.com/7mvu3b6.
