“… Setting the attraction of my good parts aside, I have no other charms.”

Who said Shakespeare didn’t have a sense of humor? Sweet Tea Shakespeare is bringing back the beloved comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor for the enjoyment of the community. Those who want to check out the merriment and laughs can catch the show from Jan. 18th through Jan. 28th at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 1601 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville. Show time is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $19 for military, and $10 for students. Attendees are encouraged to come in early and check out a 45-minute preshow.

Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s first production of The Merry Wives of Windsor was in 2019. The cast is diverse in their experience with this production.

“This cast is a mixture of actors reprising roles, previous cast members in new roles, and cast members performing in The Merry Wives of Windsor for the first time,” said Jessie Wise, Chief Operations Officer/ Associate Producing Director at Sweet Tea Shakespeare.

For those not familiar with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, it is a uniquely Southern Shakespearian experience.
Wise said,

“Our mission at Sweet Tea Shakespeare is to gather diverse communities around a common table to delight in the magic of story, song, and stagecraft. We like to describe the experience like going to a ballgame or a backyard barbeque. There is a little something for everyone. Our performances feature our signature preshow concert, which is a great time to meet up with friends to grab a jar of sweet tea, wine, or beer and a bite to eat before the show. Our performances take place in a variety of settings in the community, providing a fresh experience every time you come to see us. We use traditional Shakespearean staging techniques, such as trust staging (audience on three sides) to bring the action right to the audience.”

The forty-five-minute preshow is also an unparalleled experience and something first-time attendees should make sure they catch. Sweet Tea Shakespeare is not a traditional theater, and they love it that way. As with the theater company itself, the preshow keeps with the tradition of, non tradition. Attendees are encouraged to grab a drink and snack during the preshow which features Live music, provided by Sweet Tea's House Band, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, a collection of talented musicians and actors. and games.

“Our preshow starts 45 minutes before the play begins. It sets the tone for our performance, featuring songs by our house band, witty banter and announcements from the cast, a raffle, and an auction for the best seat in the house!... Expect to feel a sense of belonging! The actors love to visit with the audience during the preshow and intermission. We often incorporate opportunities for audience participation if you are up for it. Our performances are fast-paced and delightful,” Wise said.

Next in line for Sweet Tea Shakespeare is Cymbeline. This production will take place in Chapel Hill, January 25th through the 28th and February 1st through the 4th, before heading back to Fayetteville for Blue Ridge Juliet, February 22nd through the 25th and February 29th through March 3rd.