The Merry Widows of Windsor

by Emily C. A. Snyder

Shakespeare's Merry Wives have become Snyder's Merry Widows in this hilarious sequel with a feminist edge. Alice Ford and Margaret Page find themselves newly autonomous - but while Alice embraces all the possibilities the world has to offer, Margaret continues to mourn the loss of her husband. When news comes that the bastard son of Henry V might be in the town, Alice is told it is her duty to seduce the young...

Shakespeare's Merry Wives have become Snyder's Merry Widows in this hilarious sequel with a feminist edge. Alice Ford and Margaret Page find themselves newly autonomous - but while Alice embraces all the possibilities the world has to offer, Margaret continues to mourn the loss of her husband. When news comes that the bastard son of Henry V might be in the town, Alice is told it is her duty to seduce the young man to keep him, and his wealth, in the town. Except, it seems her husband, Francis Ford, isn't quite as dead as everyone thought he was! With an added touch of Hamlet, Shakespearean cross-dressing, and a very confused Dogberry and Verges (who took a left turn at Illyria), The Merry Widows of Windsor is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

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The Merry Widows of Windsor

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: The Merry Widows of Windsor by Emily C. A. Snyder
    “

    A fantastic feminist sequel where both Alice and Margaret have a journey to go on post husbands. Except for Alice, her husband might not be in the past. An entertaining and thrilling ride!

    A fantastic feminist sequel where both Alice and Margaret have a journey to go on post husbands. Except for Alice, her husband might not be in the past. An entertaining and thrilling ride!

    ”
  • Naomi Baker: The Merry Widows of Windsor by Emily C. A. Snyder
    “

    First I read, "The Comedy of Heirors" and loved it. I presented it to my artistic team as problematic because of the issue of "twins." One of the team suggested I take a look at this play, "The Merry Widows of Windsor." What can I say? So smart. So fun. So appealing.
    One of the things that has always bothered me about directing Shakespeare is the inequity of gender roles. This play takes care of that issue, and gives us so much more.
    I can't wait to tell my friends about this playwright!

    First I read, "The Comedy of Heirors" and loved it. I presented it to my artistic team as problematic because of the issue of "twins." One of the team suggested I take a look at this play, "The Merry Widows of Windsor." What can I say? So smart. So fun. So appealing.
    One of the things that has always bothered me about directing Shakespeare is the inequity of gender roles. This play takes care of that issue, and gives us so much more.
    I can't wait to tell my friends about this playwright!

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, 2018
  • Reading, Turn to Flesh Productions, 2018

Awards

  • Sheen Center Theatre Festival of Catholic Playwrights
    Sheen Center for Thought & Culture
    Selection
    2018