This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

First Folio Theatre Presents: THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR July 9 through August 10, 2014

First Folio
Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83), presents
Shakespeare’s classic comedy THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR on its outdoor
main stage situated on the scenic slopes of the historic Mayslake Peabody
Estate. THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR previews July 9, opens Saturday, July
12 at 8:15 p.m., and runs through August 10, 2014. Guests are encouraged to
bring a picnic and enjoy First Folio Theatre’s annual “Shakespeare under the
Stars” production, directed by Jeff Award nominee Nick Sandys. 



THE MERRY
WIVES OF WINDSOR

stars Shakespeare’s greatest (and largest) comic character, Sir John Falstaff,
who was too huge to be contained by his original appearance in Henry IV.
Short on money, the rotund Falstaff sets out on a quest to seduce not just one,
but two wealthy married women, who then decide to turn the tables on Falstaff
and teach him a lesson in fidelity and honesty. The New York Times raves
that this classic tale is “Sparkling!  Brims with joy!”





The cast is
led by Brian McCartney as “Sir John Falstaff” (Taming of the Shrew and As
You Like It
at First Folio Theatre), Patrice Egleston as “Mistress Page” (Romeo
and Juliet
and Macbeth at First Folio Theatre), Meg Warner as “Anne
Page” (Northanger Abbey at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company), Lydia Berger
Gray as “Mistress Ford” (Jeeves Takes A Bow and Richard III at
First Folio Theatre), and Fred Geyer as “Fenton” (The Pitchfork Disney
at Athenaeum Theatre). THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR also stars Victor
Holstein as “Master Page” (Bellboys, Bears & Baggage at Redmoon),
Caroline Rau as “Mistress Quickly,” Joe Foust as “Master Ford” (A Christmas
Carol
and Measure for Measure at Goodman Theatre), Robert Allan
Smith as “Sir Hugh” (The Madness of Edgar Allen Poe: A Love Story at
First Folio Theatre), Christian Gray as “Dr. Caius” (The Madness of Edgar
Allen Poe: A Love Story,
The Jeeves Trilogy and A Moon for the
Misbegotten
at First Folio Theatre), Elliott Plowman as
“Bardolph,” Mark Hespen as “Pistol” and “Rugby” (Rough Crossing at First
Folio Theatre), Alex Stein as “Nym,” Bill Chamberlain as “Shallow” (Follies
at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Lakme at Lyric Opera Chicago),
Michael Mulhearn as “Slender,” Aaron Berogan as “Simple,” Sophie Duntley as
“Robyn,” and Steve Peebles as “The Host of Gartner Inn” (Much Ado About
Nothing
at First Folio Theatre). The ensemble includes Sara Costello and
Alex Dematralis.

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.





The artistic
team includes David Rice (Producer/Executive Director), Alison C. Vesely
(Artistic Director), Angela Weber Miller (Scenic Designer), Michael McNamara
(Lighting Designer), Elsa Hiltner (Costume Designer), and Chris Kriz (Sound
Designer). It also includes Brian Claggett (Technical Director), Cassy Schillo
(Properties Designer), Mara Filler (AEA Stage Manager), Ricky Harbecke (Board
Operator), and Jason Martin (Dialect/Vocal Coach), Coral Opem (Assistant Stage
Manager), and Sarah West (Assistant Stage Manager).





First Folio
Theatre is in its 18th season of bringing high-quality performances
of Shakespeare and other classics to the stage. During that time, the theater
has expanded from an annual summer production to a year-round operation with
three separate and distinct stages at the historic Mayslake Peabody
Estate. The Shakespeare Book of Lists names First Folio Theatre
one of the “150 Great Places to See a Shakespeare Play.” The Chicago Tribune
raved that their “Shakespeare Under the Stars” summer series “offers something
Navy Pier can’t...plenty of greenery, gentle breezes and the chance to stretch
out on a blanket with family and friends while being transported to
Shakespeare’s otherworldly romance.”


Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.





MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR previews July 9, opens July 12, and runs through August
10, 2014. All performances take place at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, located
at 1717 W 31st St., off Rt. 83, in Oak Brook. First Folio is easy to
get to from via the East-West Tollway (I-88) or the Stevenson Expressway
(I-55). Free parking is available on the grounds. Preview tickets are
$22.  Regular priced tickets are $30 Wednesdays and Thursdays (seniors and
students are $26), and $37 on Fridays through Sundays (seniors and students are
$32). All performances are at 8:15 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling the
box office at 630.986.8067 or online at www.firstfolio.org.


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills