Falstaff struts his stuff for SSP's 'Merry Wives'

 

The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) conclude their 24th season with William Shakespeare's comedy "The Merry Wives of Windsor," featuring one of the Bard's most popular characters, Sir John Falstaff. Performances run through June 26 at the Saint Sebastian Players' theatre at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Ave.

In "Merry Wives," Falstaff schemes to escape from poverty by seducing two honorable married women. Secretly warned of Sir John's intentions, the two women decide to turn the tables by pretending to encourage his suit. The results put Falstaff in several embarrassing — and hilarious — situations, yet he keeps coming back for more, all with extremely comic outcomes and his eventual comeuppance.

Making his SSP directing debut is SSP member Jeff Galus, whose directing credits include "Lend Me A Tenor" and "Lost in Yonkers." The cast features SSP members Bill Brennan as Falstaff and Connie Anderko and Keta Roth as the "merry wives," as well as Eric W. Brown, Brian Campbell, Kendra Ciancio, Matt Edwards, Terrence L. Gallagher, Michael Greco, Rory Jobst, Michael M. Jones, Kimberly Logan, Cliff London, Christopher Marcum, Jeff McVann, Jen Pepsnik, Paul Peroni, Leanne Raney and M. Brandon Thompson. The production staff includes SSP members Rob DeBock as technical director, Meg Cummings as set designer, Jim Masini as costume designer, Mary Whalen as set dressing/properties manager, Heather McConaha as assistant director and Dani Rae Sauve as producer. Also on staff is James Palmer as lighting designer.

Performances of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" are June 3-26, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at the Saint Sebastian Players Theatre at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Ave., at Marshfield just west of Ashland. Free parking is available in two lots.
Tickets are $12, $5 for seniors and children under 12. Group rates also are available. For information or tickets, call (773) 404-7922, visit members.aol.com/stsebplyrs or log on to ticketweb.com.