Regional theatre company celebrates 20 years of outdoor theatre at historic ruins in Howard County. Baltimore (5.16.2024) - Chesapeake Shakespeare Company-in-the-Ruins returns for the 20th time in June for a summer of spectacle, excitement, and entanglement. Rumored to be a special request from Queen Elizabeth, this production follows the misadventures of Shakespeare fan favorite Sir John Falstaff. Featuring energetic, live bluegrass music, CSC’s rendition of Shakespeare’s raucous comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, highlights the charm of a tight-knit mountain community. The Merry Wives of Windsor runs from June 14 to July 23. Press night is June 14.

Mischief and trickery abound in this small Appalachian town, so when the charismatic Falstaff arrives, his corrupt and greedy antics are no match for Windsor. After his attempt to seduce two wealthy women, he faces a series of misfortune and mishaps, all to the amusement of the citizens of Windsor -- who all seem to be in on one big joke. “Falstaff, and his band of crooks, are taking over,” says Director Ben Lambert. “Fortunately, the merry wives are on the case, and revenge is sweet.”

This summer, CSC celebrates its twentieth season at the company’s outdoor home in Ellicott City. Over the past two decades, the theatre troupe has been a beacon of cultural enrichment, bringing the timeless works of Shakespeare and other classics to audiences from near, far, and wide. “For our first decade, all of our performances were held in Ellicott City, so it’s especially sweet to come home to Howard County this summer to celebrate our twentieth season at the beautiful, magical PFI. We’re committed to delivering unforgettable theatrical experiences in Howard County for many years to come,” says CSC Producing Executive Director, Lesley Malin.

Summer shows at the PFI are immersive, community-centered events, highlighting the unique experience of witnessing live theatre and poetry performed against the backdrop of the ruins underneath a starlit sky. The gates open approximately 90 minutes before showtime, allowing patrons to experience the grounds’ captivating surroundings. A free shuttle service is available for guests to transport them from the parking lot to the top of this hill. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets, food, and beverages (including beer and wine) from home.

As CSC enters another milestone year, the organization is thrilled to continue to be a vital part of the cultural landscape in Ellicott City, increasing access to outstanding entertainment to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Kids’ tickets are free for summer productions at the PFI. For every adult ticket purchased, two children (18 and under) can enjoy the shenanigans of Shakespeare’s raucous comedy for no additional cost.

This year will mark the return of the company’s festival-like atmosphere on Sunday afternoons. Families are encouraged to come early on Sundays for Family Fun Days. Each Sunday, the gates open at 4:30pm for the company’s signature summer experience tailored for children. CSC will provide live music and pre-show storytelling for young children. Kids will also be able to partake in arts and crafts, costume try-ons, and a festive maypole dance.

For more information about The Merry Wives of Windsor, visit www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com or call the box office at 410-244-8570. Press night is Friday, June 14.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
The Merry Wives of Windsor
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Ben Lambert

LOCATION
The Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park is located at 3655 Church Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Parking for the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park is located at 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City, MD, 21043. Gates and ticket tent will open 90 minutes prior to curtain.

TICKETS
Adult tickets start at $50, tickets for youth 25 and under start at $25, and preview tickets are $24. Kids get in free (limit of two per adult ticket). To purchase tickets, visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com, or contact the Box Office directly by calling 410-244-8570 or visiting in person at 7 South Calvert Street. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more and active-duty military. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ChesShakes.com/merrywives

DATES AND TIMES
Wednesday, June 12 at 8:00pm - Preview
Thursday, June 13 at 8:00pm - Preview
Friday, June 14 at 8:00pm - Opening/Press Night
Saturday, June 15 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 16 at 6:00pm - Family Fun Day
Friday, June 21 at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 22 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 23 at 6:00pm - Family Fun Day
Friday, June 28 at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 29 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 30 at 6:00pm - Family Fun Day
Friday, July 5 at 8:00pm
Saturday, July 6 at 8:00pm
Sunday, July 7 at 6:00pm - Family Fun Day
Thursday, July 11 at 7:30pm
Friday, July 12 at 8:00pm
Saturday, July 13 at 8:00pm
Sunday, July 14 at 6:00pm - Family Fun Day
Thursday, July 18 at 7:30pm
Friday, July 19 at 8:00pm
Saturday, July 20 at 8:00pm
Sunday, July 21 at 6:00pm - Family Fun Day

CAST LIST
Falstaff - Shaquille Stewart
Mistress Page - Fabiolla Da Silva
Page- Dylan Arredondo
Anne Page- Denisse Peñaflor
Mistress Ford - Emily Zinski
Ford - Kevin Alan Brown
Host of the Garter Inn - Andrea Spitz
Sir Hugh Evans - Josh Williams
Robert Shallow - Brendan Murray
Slender - Alex Mungo
Fenton - Harry Denby
Doctor Caius - Elijah Williams
Mistress Quickly - Holly Gibbs
Pistol - Elijah Williams
Bardolph - Harry Denby
Nym - Josh Williams
Simple - James McClam
Musician - Corey Ahearn

CREATIVE TEAM
Director - Ben Lambert
Production Manager - Sarah Curnoles *
Stage Manager - Lauren Engler *
Technical Director, Set and Lighting Designer - Dan O'Brien *
Sound Designer - Aria Velz
Costume Designer - Becca Janney
Props Artisan - Nikki LeFaye
Music Director - Grace Srinivasan *
Composer - Sam Saint Ours
Fight Director - Sierra Young
Production Associate - Dawn Thomas Reidy *
Assistant Stage Manager - Colin Maher
Dialect/ Text/ Vocal Coach - Teresa Spencer
Wardrobe Supervisor - Hannah Brill
Dance/ Movement Choreographer - Shaela Davis
Senior House Manager - Pamela Forton *
Covid Safety Officer - Mandy Benedix *

* CSC Company Member

ABOUT CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Founded in 2002 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings great classic theatre to Baltimore, Howard County, the state of Maryland, and beyond. The company offers performances of Shakespeare and other plays of classic stature that are unforgettable, challenging, and innovative. In 2012, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company acquired the Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust Company building in downtown Baltimore, renovating it into a modern Globe Theater for indoor performances, while continuing to produce outdoor Shakespeare every summer at the PFI Historic Park in Howard County. The organization regularly serves 30,000+ people annually through artistic projects and intentional community engagement. CSC’s vibrant education program includes an extensive matinee series, camps, classes, and in and out-of-school residencies. Its Shakespeare Beyond initiative will bring free performances to area parks this July in its Shakespeare Wagon. The company invites patrons, students, and neighbors to become part of the creative collaboration that generates powerful, magical theatre and a more purposeful, engaged, and connected community.