Shakespeare in the Park "The Merry Wives of Winsor"

Riverview Theatre Company is pleased to announce the return of its Shakespeare in the Park Festival and Play coming to McHenry this summer.  The play selection for this year’s annual event is The Merry Wives of Windsor which will be presented FREE to audiences on July 13, 14, 15, 18 & 22 at 7:00pm on the Veteran’s Memorial Park gazebo stage. Donations are greatly appreciated.

This live, outdoor Shakespearean production is presented in conjunction with McHenry’s Fiesta Days. There is no other event like this in all of northern Illinois.  The Merry Wives of Windsor special, mid-week performance on Wednesday, July 18 (during the height of Fiesta Days) is featured as “Shakespeare Night” in McHenry.

Imagining that Mistress Ford and Mistress Page have each fallen for him, the fat knight Sir John Falstaff decides to seduce them both, as much for their husbands' money as for their personal charms. Wise to the old rogue's tricks, the women turn the tables on him with a series of humiliating assignations and a very damp, extremely smelly laundry basket.   The Merry Wives of Windsor is a “merry romp full of heart and love and fun!”

An additional performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor will be presented at the Starline Gallery located at 400 W. Front Street in Harvard, Illinois on Friday, July 20 at 7:00pm.  The cost at the door is $5. Riverview Theatre Company presents “Shakespeare at the Starline” as a benefit and all proceeds from this performance will be donated to the gallery.  Audiences are instructed to bring their own chairs, blankets and floor pillows as there are no chairs at the Starline Gallery.  Picnic style food, coolers and beverages can also be brought in to encourage an “indoor picnic” atmosphere.  Please note: No candles or open flames of any kind are allowed at the gallery.

In addition to the performance dates, Riverview is also bringing back their acclaimed Shakespeare Festival on Saturday, July 21 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park during the Art in the Park and Sidewalk Sales events. The Shakespeare Festival will feature a day long program of Elizabethan fun and excitement, offering a glimpse back in time to the world of Tudor England; costumed performers, dancers, actors, musicians, skits and revelry will be showcased.  For the young Lords and Ladies there are kids’ face painting, and even a “Mini Globe Theatre” puppet stage!  Wenches, rogues, and royals will wander the grounds performing the works by – and inspired by – Master Shakespeare.

For more information on the Shakespeare in the Park Play and Festival, The Merry Wives of Windsor or other Riverview Theatre Company productions, please visit their website at www.wix.com/kellsangie/riverview.  To find out how to get involved with the theatre company call 815-354-7796 or send an email to kells.angie@gmail.com.  There will be no make-up performances in the event of a weather cancellation. Riverview Theatre Company, NFP is a 501(c)3 tax exempt, non-profit corporation.