Gadsden, Ala. — The Gadsden State Community College Theatre Program will present “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at 7 p.m. Nov. 21-23 in the brand-new black box theatre.
“The black box is a flexible theatre with the ability to adapt to the needs of the production,” said Joe Fuselli, director of the theatre program. “The feel is much more intimate. Actors will be much closer to the audience providing a more immersive experience.”
The new black box theatre is located in the Meadows Library on the East Broad Campus. Fuselli said in addition to the intimacy of the space, it also allows students to experiment with new styles and approaches to storytelling.
“The new theatre is a testament to Gadsden State’s commitment to enhancing the performing arts for our community and to providing students with hands-on experience in a professional setting,” he said.
“The Merry Wives of Windsor” is a comedic tale by William Shakespeare that explores love, mischief and mistaken identity. It follows Sir John Falstaff, a boastful and scheming knight.
“Falstaff attempts to woo two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page,” Fuselli said. “He hopes to gain access to their husbands’ money; however, the women, aware of his intentions, decide to teach him a lesson by hatching a series of hilarious tricks to humiliate Falstaff. In the end, he is thoroughly embarrassed. The play concludes with reconciliation and merriment, highlighting themes of wit, deception and social class.”
Under Fuselli’s direction, the cast and crew will bring Shakespeare’s humor and charm to life in the performance space.
“We are excited to perform ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ as our inaugural production in the new black box theatre,” he said. “This space gives us so much creative freedom, and the cast is excited to share this classic comedy with the community in such a unique environment. It is a special way to highlight the play, and it also provides incredible opportunities for our students.”
Students Lucas Gamblin (left) and Trevor Wheat (middle) rehearse with Joe Fuselli, instructor (right)
The cast includes:
Ryan Kelly as ‘Flagstaff’
Carolyn Humphrey as ‘Mistress Page’
Lilly Barber as ‘Mistress Ford’
Jonas Abernathy as ‘Mister Page’
Joshua Kimbril ad ‘Mister Ford’
Azya Elrod as ‘Anne Page’
Trevor Wheat as ‘Shallow”
Darius Spears as ‘Sir Hugh Evans’
Ian Johnson as ‘Dr. Caius’
Lucas Gamblin as ‘Slender’
Ellie Boozer as ‘Mistress Quickly
Buffy Bailey as ‘Host’
Nolan Fletcher as ‘Pistol’
Eliza Hardy as ‘Nym’
Jacob Rhinehart as ‘Bardolph’
Phoenix Drake Rich as ‘Robin’
Afton Yarnell as ‘Simple’
Dylan Rogerson as ‘John Rugby’
Jackson Allred as ‘Fenton’
Joshua Long as ‘William Page’
Ian Kilgore as ‘John’
Christian Hooper as ‘Robert’
Tickets are $8 for the general public and $6 for students and Gadsden State employees. Tickets may be purchased at www.wallacehall.org. or at the door. For more information about Gadsden State’s Fine Arts Programs, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/finearts.
Merry Wives of Windsor cast during rehearsals: Ian Johnson (with sword) and Dylan Rogerson (right)
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