The Merry Wives of Windsor

Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian
Archway Theatre Company
Through February 3

Archway Theatre Company’s presentation of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Woodbury University’s Enkeboll Courtyard is both silly and slow, with plenty of entertaining moments occasionally interspersed with sluggish overacting.

One of Shakespeare’s lesser-known canonical comedies, the play is rarely performed in Los Angeles, which may partially be due to the material itself: the monologues are not as grandiose as those in Hamlet and the subject is less impactful than in Romeo and Juliet.

The simple plot revolves around two married women seeking revenge on a lecherous knight who fancies himself a smooth operator and tries to seduce both friends at once. Classic Shakespearean misunderstandings expand into overdrawn schemes that stretch a two and a half hour play an additional 30 minutes. Although this may have more to do with the play’s length than Archway’s production or Steven Sabel’s direction, some acting choices bog the production down — namely some of the performers thickening their accents to the point where you cannot understand them. On a cold winter night, the outdoor setting also can be uncomfortable and makes the evening seem longer: dressing warmly should solve the problem.

The most enjoyable scenes revolve around the older actors. John Eddings as Sir John Falstaff is unquestionably the star of the show, not only because his character is at the center of Mistress Page (Sara Davenport) and Mistress Ford (Hillary Weintraub)’s schemes, but also by virtue of his enunciation and powerful delivery. As conspirators, Davenport and Weintraub impart genuine excitement over their conniving plans, which lightens the mood, as does Jesse Durant’s hilarious embodiment of the French Dr. Caius, whose silly accent caused some of the loudest giggles among audience members.

Diehard Shakespeare aficionados will appreciate the company’s detailed production of this underrepresented stage show.

Woodbury University’s Enkeboll Courtyard, 7500 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; through Feb. 3. (818) 980-PLAY or https://www.archwayla.com/. Running time: two hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.