Nestled deep within West Hollywood’s Plummer Park, in the quaint courtyard of the Great Hall, is home to Classical Theatre Lab’s company production of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Shakespeare’s only domestic comedy is a cheerful delight. Story centers on Sir John Falstaff (Joe Hulser), a mischievous gentleman. Recently arrived in Windsor, he is inspired to woo a wealthy woman away from her stiff husband. Quickly enough he realizes, why only seduce one when two would be twice as fun. And so he begins seducing local women while padding his own pocket from their fortunes at the same time.
Unfortunately for Falstaff, the two women, Mistress Ford (Elyse Ashton) and Mistress Page (Victoria Hoffman), eventually compare love letters and realize they share the same lecherous love interest. Together, they scheme to teach Sir Falstaff a lesson in humility.
The wives’s respective husbands begin to suspect trickery, but react differently. Frank Ford (Stuart W. Howard), the jealous one, is concerned and plots to fool Falstaff into revealing his plans. George Page (Greg Baglia) on the other hand, trusts his wife.
In a Nutshell
As per the classic Shakespeare tradition, true love wins out. But not before plenty of grief, shocks, gasps and a finale mix-up in the fairy garden of Windsor Forest.
Troy Dunn steals the opening moments. He has a Dick Van Dyke-quality that keeps him consistently appealing. His presence opens the show and warms the crowd.
Joe Hulser uses a blustering aggression to win over your heart. His movements begin with lumbering mobility, which makes his agile toe-tapping finesses by the end a true evolution.
Jean Gilpin has a Joan Allen-essence. Her eyes dazzle and she’s delightfully passionate. Stephanie Kane delivers a strong and bubbly energy making her presence a joy.
Whipping it Up
Carey Upton’s direction is very ambitious and sometimes touch-and-go, but Upton’s stylized Windsor, with strong influence of Norman Rockwell’s Americana is memorable and brave. A very smart and dazzling choice.
Costumes are a direct result of this. Bright colors, pastel hues. It can’t help but put you in a giddy, celebratory mood. Designer Erin Tanaka overwhelms your senses. A visual delight.
Producer Annunziata Gianzero and stage manager Todd Silver have their work cut out for them, staging in a cobble stone and brick courtyard within a public park. Chances of distraction are expectedly high, but luckily there was next to nothing. No loud nearby noise and only one overhead plane in nearly 90 minutes. It seems the sky appreciates good Shakespeare as well.
Make it Happen
So here’s my suggestion: find a girl, find a friend and show off. Let them see that you know even the hidden gems of this great city. As the courtyard reveals itself halfway through the park, you’re gonna look “in the know” (“I didn’t know that was there”).
With free admission it’s an inexpensive date, a reason to get out of the house and you can even fake it and appear cultured.
Two last ideas. You’re outside. The sun’s gonna be in your eyes. Sunglasses aren’t enough. Throw on a fun hat. Second. It’s gonna get chilly. Bring two jackets. She’ll appreciate you all the more.
Show runs through August 3rd at Plummer Park. Starting time is 5 pm.
Plummer Park’s Great Hall (7377 Santa Monica Blvd / Martel). It then continues August 9- 24 at West Hollywood Park, (647 N. San Vicente Blvd./opposite Pacific Design Center). Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00 PM
Again, the show is free, but the company accepts donations.
For more information or to reserve seating call
