Book Club: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Shakespeare Dallas has launched a new opportunity for our audiences to meet and discuss the plays being performed in our season. Ever wonder how a director prepares an abridged script of a Shakespeare play? What method of text analysis take place to determine what is cut and what makes it onto the stage? If you missed out on our previous Book Clubs, you are invited to experience that process at our Book Club for The Merry Wives of Windsor!
Led by Executive and Artistic Director Jenni Stewart, Book Club gatherings are comfortable, fun and promise great discussions. The Book Club will meet for four sessions to read and discuss the upcoming play, provide a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, and receive an invitation to exclusive events.
Synopsis:
Sir John Falstaff, staying in Windsor and down on his luck, decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens. He sends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford identical love letters, but they discover his double dealing and set about turning the tables, arranging an assignation at Mistress Ford's house. Frank Ford has heard of Falstaff's plan and decides to test his wife's fidelity. Pretending to be Master Broom, he pays Falstaff to seduce his wife on his behalf, twice almost catching them together. The Pages' daughter Anne is pursued by three suitors. The French physician Doctor Caius is her mother's choice, whilst her father prefers Slender, Justice Shallow's kinsman. Anne herself is in love with Fenton. Mistress Quickly is being paid by all three suitors to promote their cause. A duel between Doctor Caius and Parson Evans is averted when the Host of the Garter Inn plays a trick on them, and they in turn pay him back. In Windsor Great Park at night, Falstaff is set up for his final punishment - and one of Anne Page's suitors is successful.
SESSIONS:
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:30pm via Zoom
Monday, April 27, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:30pm via Zoom
Monday, May 11, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:30pm via Zoom
Monday, May 18, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:30pm via Zoom
Cost: $195 (Shakespeare Dallas ticket subscribers receive a discounted rate of $165).
