The cast of Rogue Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor. Photo by Avery Brunkus
(MADISON, NJ) -- Running now through August 23, 2026 at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is a Bard classic comedy: The Merry Wives of Windsor. However, there is more to it than that. This production is titled Rogue Shakespeare:The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Perhaps its because it has been such a hot summer this year, or maybe audiences are just searching for shows that make them laugh. Whatever is the reason, this play cures whatever you are looking for.
On Opening Night, the audience laughter and appreciation was evident. Conversations at the after party were filled with discussion about how could they pull this remarkable piece of theater off in just six days? I have come to learn that actors are remarkable people when it comes to working their craft. They receive a script and it appears to me that they can picture how it will look onstage before they even come in for the first meeting. Years of experience do help. That was part of what came through in this show. But there were also some newer cast members. Whatever the formula is, it worked and it worked well. This show is one you want to come to see. It is a very enjoyable visit to the theater.
But Rogue Shakespeare? Let’s examine what that means.
Rogue Shakespeare: What Is it?
According to information provided in the printed program, Rogue Shakespeare is “theatre at its most daring.” There is no Director and the actors received only 6 days of rehearsals before going live in front of an audience. The performers come in memorized and they dive straight into the work, “trusting their instincts and the brilliance of Shakespeare’s language to guide them.”
Speaking with Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe about this unique approach to theater, he explained that there were some guidelines given to the cast. These included items like selection of props, costumes, and use of the stage. But the freedom to allow the cast the freedom to explore how to present the action was prevalent. They use Shakespeare’s language and follow the story of the play. But their own touches became engraved into the show.
The Merry Wives of Windsor – The Story
The Merry Wives of Windsor is classified as one of Shakespeare’s comedies. It is thought to have been written in the late 1500’s and published in 1602. It focuses around the actions of Sir John Falstaff who decides he needs help with his financial state. So he sets his sights on two married women: Alice Ford and Margaret Page.
Erin Partin as Alice Ford and Ka-Ling Cheunas Margaret Page. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
He writes to each of them the same love letter with only a name change inserted to “customize” it to each one.But the two ladies get together to read the letters and decide to take matters into their own hands to deceive Falstaff. And that’s where the fun begins.
There is a Lot of Fun in this Production
The fun starts with Jeffrey Bender’s superb portrayal of Falstaff. His costume is suitably outrageous as he has has several large pillow type items tucked into his shirt to give him a very fat look. It would be fair to say that most of the scenes dealing Falstaff are hilarious due to Bender’s work on this character. Some of the best scenes occur when he tries to get up and off of an orange lounger. Not only is he awkward, but Bender makes it look like it is hopeless that Falstaff will be able to get up.
Another funny moment is when Falstaff sits on Alice Ford’s lap in attempt to be closer to her. The pain of his weight on her is evident.
Jeffrey M. Bender as Sir John Falstaff and Erin Partin as Alice Ford. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
What would a Shakespeare comedy be without disguises? Michael Stewart Allen playing Frank Ford comes up with one of the funniest of the show. The facial disguise goes on in several pieces. Allen takes his time allowing the audience to take in each step resulting in many laughs and a crazy look that includes a costume suitable for a Russian play. Here he is shown with Falstaff as they talk about the action being prepared.
Michael Stewart Allen as Frank Ford and Jeffrey M. Bender as Sir John Falstaff. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
The use of the laundry basket to move Falstaff out of the house is used in several scenes. The two men carrying it have an easy time of it until Falstaff goes in. The looks on their faces as they try to move it with him in it is a perfect humorous moment of disbelief. And of course after he is out of it and they are asked to carry it again, their disbelief at how light it is brings good moments of humor to the show.
A Play with a Satisfying Ending and a Thanks to the Cast
After another humiliating event for Falstaff which involves another crazy costume, the entire group reconcile. This play was written over 400 years ago but even back then, William Shakespeare was willing to give credence to the ability women had to keep things running well with their marriages and their families.
This production relies entirely on the vision of the cast who work with the creatives. The actors demonstrate their knowledge and skill by creating an absolutely marvelous production. The talent to bring in a memorized script but create the sets, costumes, and winning action is not easy to do. But it is evident to see that this group worked hard making the show a delightful adventure for audiences.
Cast of Rogue Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Symposium Series #1: Tuesday, August 18 following the performance
Symposium Series #2: Saturday, August 22 following the matinee performance
To Go to the Show
Rogue Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Window runs now through August 23, 2026 at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ.
Purchase tickets online through their website or by contacting the Box Office By Phone: (973) 408-5600 or by E-mail: [email protected]
Run time for this show is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15 minute intermission.
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