The Art of Making ‘Merry Wives’
Go Behind the Scenes of the Maryland Opera Studio’s Production of Shakespeare’s Classic
The hard work of the performers, designers and production staff culminates in a breathtaking final act of the Maryland Opera Studio’s production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
Photo by Lisa Helfert
Mid-century flair, sharp wit and domestic rebellion collide in Maryland Opera Studio’s (MOS) genre-bending take on Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor”—a vibrant production set in the 1960s but spanning centuries of gender politics and challenges to entrenched patriarchy.
Originally penned in the late 1500s, adapted into opera in the mid-1800s and now reimagined on the UMD stage, “Merry Wives” tells the story of two clever women who outmaneuver an arrogant suitor, a jealous husband and a parade of misguided men—reminding audiences that disruption can be both hilarious and powerful.
The production opened on April 11, with more performances scheduled Wednesday and Friday at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Designed by MFA students in the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS), the set is a marvel of flying walls, rooms on hidden wagons, a fully outfitted laundry space and even a 1960s fridge. In one scene set in a verdant and sparkling forest, sodium-vapor lamps transform the stage with a black-and-white film noir vibe. From sets to costumes, the opera is part of an ongoing partnership between MOS and TDPS’ Design and Production program, which helps bring ambitious staging to life with support from technical staff at The Clarice.
“It’s been really exciting—I feel like the energy is pretty electric as we all finally see what we’ve been working on come together,” said Alla Salakhova, a first-year MOS student who plays the thief Bardolph and also appears in the chorus.
“The show is just general tomfoolery; it’s been such a joy to work on,” she said.
Behind-the-scenes images offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry that drive a production of this scale.
Scenic Shop Technician Fred Via III works on final set details such as painting before dress rehearsal begins. Planning and production for the opera begins months in advance, but set pieces are only loaded in a few weeks before the performances. (Photo by Taneen Momeni)
Costuming and props are meticulously laid out, ensuring that on-stage performers can quickly change or grab the items they may need for their scene. (Photo by Taneen Momeni)
Performers spend several hours prior to rehearsals and performances having their hair and makeup done. Doni Rotunno, pursuing an M.F.A. in costume design, applies makeup for Nuria Shin, pursuing an M.M. in opera performance, prior to dress rehearsal. (Photo by Taneen Momeni)
Seated just in front of the stage, the orchestra provides the musical backdrop for the on-stage performance. (Photo by Taneen Momeni)
From left: Cast members Nicole Plummer, Kat Norman and Lourdes Rodriguez. The production includes all MOS members, some MOS alums and other SOM voice students who perform in the opera’s chorus. (Photo by Lisa Helfert)
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Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center College of Arts and Humanities