Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ Is a Rowdy, Subversive Spring Must-See

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Merry Wives of Windsor isn’t just a revival—it’s a full-on romp. Running through May 3, this sharp, high-energy take on William Shakespeare’s most mischievous comedy leans into the chaos, the comedy, and the quiet rebellion bubbling beneath polite society.

Set in a seemingly quaint English town, the story follows best friends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, who flip the script when the infamous Sir John Falstaff targets them with his not-so-subtle advances. What unfolds is a clever, communal takedown—part farce, part feminist wink—where the wives take control and the whole town gets swept into the joke.

Directed by Phillip Breen, the production delivers a fast, irreverent spin on a play often overshadowed in the canon. Chicago standouts Ora Jones and Issy van Randwyck lead with bite and charisma, while Jason Simon makes a memorable CST debut as the delightfully disreputable Falstaff.

Staged in the intimate Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, the show thrives on immediacy—bringing audiences right into the mischief. And in true Chicago fashion, the theater pairs the production with a little local flavor: a Shakespeare birthday bash on April 23 featuring beer tastings with Revolution Brewing.

The verdict? This is Shakespeare with its collar loosened—loud, playful, and very much alive.

See it, now through May 3.

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