Merry Wives
SEP 9–OCT 5, 2025
Harman Hall
“HILARIOUS…The stage seems to light up with each entrance of Ming-Trent, who originated the role of Falstaff in the premiere…He’s a magnetic figure.” –The Washington Post
“HEARTWARMING…Felicia Curry delivers a tour-de-force performance.” –Washington Lobbyist
“DELIGHTFUL…Phillips’s stately Madam Page exudes a dry wit that lends flair to the plot’s farcical showdowns.” –The Washington Post
“STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL…STC’s vibrant and joyous comedy Merry Wives is a must-see.” –DC Theater Arts
“SUPERBLY DIRECTED…Many in the audience were laughing out loud from the start.” –Georgetown Dish
“UNRIVALED…It’s guaranteed to make you clap, snap and laugh your YKW off, with nary a negative thought…Exactly what we need in D.C. right now.” –DC Outlook
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Taylor Reynolds
William Shakespeare’s farce gets a joyful spin from Jocelyn Bioh (Jaja’s African Hair Braiding), dropping the debaucherous Falstaff into the melting pot of modern Harlem. Short on cash, Falstaff pursues the purses of two sharp-witted West African wives. As their proud husbands’ suspicions rise, the wives cook up a scheme to shame the would-be homewrecker and prove that “wives may be merry, and yet honest too” in this “spirited, sharp, and silly” (Variety) celebration. Taylor Reynolds (Fat Ham) makes her STC directorial debut in the play’s regional premiere.
Runtime: Approximately one hour and 50 minutes with no intermission.
Cast
Slender, Pistol
Doctor Caius
Mama Quickly
Mister Nduka Ford
Ensemble, Nafi, Understudy (Madam Nkechi Ford)
Madam Nkechi Ford
Mister Kwame Page
Fenton, Simple
Pastor Evans, Understudy (Mister Nduka Ford)
Madam Ekua Page
Anne Page
Shallow
Falstaff
Ensemble
Understudy
Understudy
Understudy
Understudy
Understudy
Artistic Team
Adaptor: Jocelyn Bioh
Director: Taylor Reynolds
Scenic Designer: Lawrence E. Moten III
Costume Designer: Ivania Stack
Lighting Designer: Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew
Sound Design / Composition: Mikaal Sulaiman
Wig & Hair Designer: Nikiya Mathis
Choreographer: Ashleigh King
Voice and Dialect Coach: Dawn-Elin Fraser
African Cultural Consultant: Bayo Omolola
Dramaturg: Drew Lichtenberg
Resident Casting Director: Danica Rodriguez
Associate Director: Nadia Guevara
Production Stage Manager: Laura Smith*
Assistant Stage Manager: Jazzy Davis*, Stephen Bubniak*
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers.
Photos
Felicia Curry and Oneika Phillips in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Jacob Ming-Trent and Kelli Blackwell in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Felicia Curry and Oneika Phillips in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Felicia Curry and Oneika Phillips in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Felicia Curry and Oneika Phillips in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Jacob Ming-Trent and Felicia Curry in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Felicia Curry and Oneika Phillips in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Jacob Ming-Trent in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Jacob Ming-Trent, Felicia Curry, and Oneika Phillips in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Felicia Curry, Jordan Barbour, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Sekou Laidlow, and JaBen Early in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
The cast of Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Photos by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Sponsors
Production Sponsors
Jerrilyn Andrews & Donald Hesse
Monica & David Dixon
Michelle & Tim Gillis
Share Fund
Official Restaurant Partner
Oohh’s & Aahh’s
All shows, artists, venues, and dates are subject to change.