USM Department of Theatre Presents THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, 3/3

The USM Department of Theatre and School of Music will present their quadrennial opera, Otto Nicolai's "The Merry Wives of Windsor," on Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 12 on the Main Stage at Russell Hall in Gorham.

Nicolai's version of the Shakespeare classic is a fully-staged comic opera, where the merry (meaning naughty) wives take control of Falstaff's unwanted advances. The show includes some of Shakespeare's most immortal comic characters, played by USM students studying classical voice, opera and musical theatre from Maine and beyond. The opera will be performed in English.

The show is directed by nationally and internationally recognized director Cary Libkin, with musical direction by Scott Wheatley. Fully-staged with the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Lehmann, this production features choreography by Maria A. Tzianabos, costume design by Anna Grywalski, technical direction by Perry Fertig, lighting design by Jamie Grant '97 and set design by Christopher Price.

Director Cary Libkin said, "Nicolai's take on the Shakespeare tale begins with the title. Note that it's not titled 'Falstaff,' Verdi did that. This opera is not about Falstaff but rather the 'merry' wives, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Page and Anne. The entire piece is focused on the women, and it is they who solve problems, establish justice and have a whole lot of fun in the process."

Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra conductor Robert Lehmann said, "Nicolai's wonderful music has it all; light, patter music in the Gilbert and Sullivan mold, elegant and charming Viennese style, and stately, ethereal chorus numbers. Orchestra members always look forward to the quadrennial collaboration with our opera and theatre colleagues, as it affords the musicians the unusual opportunity to play some of the amazing operatic literature."

Performances on the Main Stage at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, March 3, 4, 10 and 11, and at 5 p.m. on Sundays, March 5 and 12. The March 5 performance will be ASL interpreted.

For more information on the performances, visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre, or call the Theatre or Music Box Office: (207) 780-5151 or 5555.