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From left: Carolina Morones, Malcolm Rodgers and Mary Ann Rodgers star in SPARC Theater’s “Sir John Falstaff and the Merry Wives of Windsor” outdoors in Livermore from July 3-27, 2025 and indoors in Danville from Aug. 8-24, 2025. (Photo by Gregg Le Blanc | CumulusLight Photography) 
Cast members practice in costume during a July dress rehearsal (Photo courtesy of SPARC). 
Audience members can enjoy the SPARC production amidst the scenic charm of Darcie Kent Vineyards in Livermore (Photo courtesy of SPARC). 
The full cast meets for their first reading (Photo courtesy of SPARC).
SPARC Theater is set to bring another one of William Shakespeare’s classic comedies to life this summer with its original rendition of “Sir John Falstaff and the Merry Wives of Windsor”.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s method of “slipping contemporary references into his plays”, SPARC is setting its version of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at the time of Livermore’s founding, in the late 1800s. The approach also follows a common American theater tradition of reimagining Shakespeare’s settings to reflect local culture and history, troupe officials wrote in a press release ahead of the show’s opening this week.
“It’s a great way to enjoy a little history and literature,” said director and adaptor Lisa Tromovitch. “We get a glimpse into our own history while enjoying the writing of arguably the greatest playwright in the English language.”
SPARC plans to follow Shakespeare’s footsteps in every aspect of the play. As a shareholder in an acting company known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men — which later became the King’s Men — Shakespeare prioritized his audience’s interests, which led to successful shows. SPARC Theater presents its production with a similar focus on audience connection and relevance.
“I’ve edited out the references to then-local news that don’t make sense to a contemporary audience, and replaced them with music appropriate to the 1800s in the new state of California. Shakespeare would want his audience to enjoy the show, not wish they had a textbook beside them to understand it,” Tromovitch said.
The late 1800s were a time of great excitement. People from all over the world came to California during the Gold Rush.
California officially became a state in 1850, and by 1863, the railroad was advancing toward San Francisco with its first stations opening. The Civil War ended in 1865, and Livermore’s first railway station was built just five years later, in 1870. “There was a sense of new beginnings. Cultures mixed, sometimes harmoniously, sometimes not,” SPARC wrote in the press release.
Set in that time of endless possibilities, the play follows two clever wives — Mistress Page and Mistress Ford — and the disreputable Sir John Falstaff, who thinks he can trick these savvy women into a tryst. Meanwhile, young love is the theme, as the Pages’ daughter Anne is sought after by multiple admirers.
“It’s the fun-loving nature of these confident friends and neighbors that carries the day in this story. Confidence in true love anchors the relationships, and despite the hijinks, all ends well,” SPARC officials said.
“Sir John Falstaff and the Merry Wives of Windsor” debuts this Thursday and continues on Saturday and Sunday for opening weekend, with no show on the Fourth of July. The show will then run each Friday through Sunday for the rest of July (as well as a show on Thursday, July 17) on the outdoor stage at Darcie Kent Vineyards in Livermore.
SPARC plans to offer three “family nights” with pre-show activities and reduced price tickets for kids to attend. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and free onsite parking is available. For tickets and more information, go to SPARCtheater.org.
“There’s nothing more relaxing than glimpsing the sunset and moonrise while sipping a glass of Darcie Kent wine and witnessing the comedy unfold,” said board chair Valerie Jonas, a longtime audience member at SPARC shows.
“There’s something special about sitting with friends and enjoying a play without a roof over your head,” added Bryan Balaz, board treasurer. “Being in nature has a calming effect, adding to the Vineyard experience the company sometimes calls ‘the spa version of outdoor Shakespeare.’”
SPARC will also present the show at Danville’s Village Theatre and Art Gallery for three weekends in August. Unlike the outdoor performances in Livermore, the Danville shows will be held indoors with air conditioning and include Sunday matinee options starting at 2 p.m.
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