SCENE-BY-SCENE SYNOPSIS

Act 1

Scene One
Sir Hugh, the town parson, brings Justice Shallow and his cousin Slender to a party at Mistress & Master Page's house. Justice Shallow wants Slender to marry their daughter Anne Page. Once there they see Sir John Falstaff and his rogues: Pistol, Nym, and Bardolph. Justice Shallow accuses Falstaff of killing his deer and robbing Slender. Falstaff meets Mistress Ford and Mistress Page. Slender attempts to court Anne Page.

Scene Two
Sir Hugh tells Slender’s serving man, Simple, to deliver a letter to Mistress Quickly, the town nurse, asking her to talk to Anne Page on Slender’s behalf.

Scene Three
Out of money, Falstaff fires Bardolph, who becomes a tapster for the Garter Inn. Falstaff plans to seduce Mistress Ford and Mistress Page so he can rob them. When Pistol and Nym refuse to deliver his love letters, he fires them, and has his boy, Robin, deliver them instead. As revenge, Pistol and Nym agree to tell Master Ford and Master Page about Falstaff's plan.

Scene Four
Simple delivers Sir Hugh’s letter to Mistress Quickly, but is discovered by Dr. Caius (a French doctor and another of Anne’s suitors). Furious, Dr. Caius writes a letter challenging Sir Hugh to a duel, and appoints the Host of the Garter Inn to set the time and place. Mistress Quickly is then approached by Master Fenton, a rebellious noblemen who is in love with Anne Page.

Act 2

Scene One
Mistress Page reads the love letter Falstaff sent. Mistress Ford arrives and the two compare letters and plot revenge. Meanwhile, Pistol and Nym tell Master Ford and Master Page of Falstaff’s plan. Master Page doesn't believe it, but Master Ford is suspicious and decides to disguise himself as "Master Brook" and talk to Falstaff about it. The Host of the Inn and Shallow set off with Master Page to find Dr. Caius and Sir Hugh.

Scene Two
Mistress Quickly tells Falstaff that Mistress Ford invites him to "visit". Falstaff agrees. He then meets "Master Brook", who offers Falstaff money to break up Master and Mistress Ford. Falstaff agrees, and tells him about Mistress Ford's invitation to "visit". Master Ford, outraged, plans to get everyone in town and catch Falstaff and Mistress Ford together.

Scene Three
Justice Shallow, Slender, Master Page, and the Host of the Inn find Dr. Caius in a field. Dr. Caius is furious because he thinks Sir Hugh didn't show up for their duel. The Host reveals to Shallow, Slender, and Page that she tricked Dr. Caius and Sir Hugh into going to different places. Shallow, Slender, and Page leave to find Sir Hugh. The Host of the Garter Inn tricks Dr. Caius and John Rugby into following her.

Act 3

Scene One
Page, Shallow, and Slender find Sir Hugh waiting for Dr. Caius. When the Host, John Rugby, and Dr. Caius arrive, the doctor and priest almost fight. The Host of the Garter Inn reveals that she tricked them into going to different places. Sir Hugh and Dr. Caius team up to get revenge on the Host.

Scene Two
Master Ford, knowing about Mistress Ford's invitation to Falstaff, gathers as many people as he can to go with him to his house.

Scene Three
Mistress Page and Mistress Ford go over their plan. Falstaff arrives to seduce Mistress Ford. Mistress Page interrupts them to say Master Ford is coming. They convince Falstaff to climb into a large laundry basket and hide under dirty, smelly clothes. Suddenly, Master Ford actually arrives with Master Page, Dr. Caius, and Sir Hugh. Master Ford searches in vain for Falstaff, but doesn't find him in the basket. Mistress Ford's servants carry the basket away, eventually dumping the knight into a river. The merry wives plot further revenge Falstaff, as well as the overly jealous Master Ford.

Scene Four
Anne Page and Master Fenton try to talk but are interrupted by Slender, and then by an unhappy Master and Mistress Page. Master Page says Anne will marry Slender, but Mistress Page says Anne will marry Dr. Caius.

Scene Five
Mistress Quickly finds Falstaff, who is recovering from being thrown in the river back at the Garter Inn. Mistress Quickly that Mistress Ford wants him to come over again. Falstaff agrees. Master Ford, disguised as Master Brook, arrives. Falstaff tells him how he escaped in the laundry basket, and leaves to go to Mistress Ford's. Master Ford, outraged, plans to gather the townsfolk and try again to catch his wife cheating.

Act 4

Scene One
Mistress Quickly tells Mistress Page that Falstaff is on his way to Mistress Ford's. They are interrupted by Sir Hugh, who is teaching the children of the village how to speak Latin.

Scene Two
At Mistress Ford's house, Falstaff is interrupted by Mistress Page again, with news of Master Ford’s approach. This time the women convince Falstaff to dress up as the Old Woman of Brenford, whom Master Ford is afraid of. When Master Ford sees Falstaff dressed as the old woman, he beats "her". Mistress Page and Mistress Ford agree to finally tell everyone how they've tricked Falstaff.

Scene Three
Sir Hugh and Dr. Caius convince Bardolph to tell the Host that Germans want to rent her horses. She agrees.

Scene Four
Mistress Page and Mistress Ford tell everyone in town what they've done. They all conspire to humiliate Falstaff that night. Master and Mistress Page each plan to secretly marry their daughter Anne to the suitor of their choice.

Scene Five
Simple comes to the Inn looking for the "Old Woman of Brenford", but Falstaff says she's gone. Bardolph comes to tell the Host that the "Germans" have stolen her horses, followed by Sir Hugh and Dr. Caius, who tell her German thieves have been going around stealing horses. Mistress Quickly approaches Falstaff with another invitation, this time to meet Mistress Ford at midnight at Hern's Oak while dressed as Hern the Hunter. Falstaff agrees.

Scene Six
Fenton offers to pay the Host a lot of money if she can arrange for a priest to marry Anne and Fenton in secret at midnight while Anne's parent's are busy tricking Falstaff.

Act 5

Scene One
Falstaff, having agreed to meet Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, promises success to “Brook.”

Scene Two
Justice Shallow, Master Page, and Slender arrive at Windsor Forest. Slender prepares to elope with Anne Page.

Scene Three
Mistress Page reminds Dr. Caius to elope with Anne Page. Mistress Page and Mistress Ford prepare to meet with Falstaff.

Scene Four
Falstaff meets with Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, but the wives run away when the “fairies” appear. Falstaff tries not to see or hear them.

Scene Five
Falstaff is tormented and publicly mocked. The town decides to forgive Falstaff. Slender and Dr. Caius enter to report that each has been tricked into eloping with a disguised boy instead of Anne Page. Fenton and Anne Page enter, finally married. Everyone goes to the home of Master & Mistress Page for another party.

THE CAST

Tara Deljanovan
(Shallow)

Tara Deljanovan is an actor, director, and costume designer who hails from Sunbury and holds a Masters degree in theater. Last season, you may have seen her as Mrs. Boyle in Riverstage’s production of The Mousetrap. This is her second Shakespeare in the Park with Gaspipe and she is happy to be back with this talented, kind, and fun cast.

Ian Keefer
(Slender)

Ian Keefer is honored to be acting in their sixth gaspipe production and fourth Shakespeare in the park. After playing Romeo and Claudio in the past two productions - they are excited to play something completely against type… a hopeless romantic. They would like to thank this wonderful cast and crew, and especially Autumn for a summer of delight and a gift of eternal cherishment. Enjoy!

Billy Martel
(Parson Hugh)

Jason Cassidy
(Master Page)

Andrew Shaffer
(Sir John Falstaff)

This is Andrew's twenty-fifth Shakespeare in the Park production. Past roles include Bottom the Weaver in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Iago in Othello, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth in MacBeth, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Polonius in Hamlet, and Prospero in The Tempest (2022). Andrew has also directed Twelfth Night, The Tempest (2010), MacBeth (2018), and Much Ado About Nothing (2024) for Gaspipe. Andrew has an Erdös-Bacon number of 6, and can be seen around Lewisburg walking his dog and wearing hats.

Ian Sterner
(Pistol)

This is Ian Sterner’s 4th year doing Shakespeare in the park. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for coming out to see the show: “Thanks.”

Pete Zerbe
(Nym)

Lon Diffenderfer
(Bardolph)

Caitlin Meleski
(Robin)

Caitlin Meleski is a Selinsgrove native who is excited to take part in Shakespeare in the Park again after her premiere performance in last year's Much Ado About Nothing. She had just recently wrapped up performing in Salt & Light Theatre's rendition of Annie just a week before this weekend's performances. She is our resident graphic designer who has, once again, blessed us with the promotional material for our show and would personally like to thank Andrew for allowing her to make him look so pretty! You can follow her work on Instagram @caitlinmeleskidesign or check out her website at www.caitlinmeleskidesign.com

Ashli Starks
(Anne Page)

Ashli is thrilled to be back at Gaspipe! Previous roles include Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, Miss Brooks in Our Miss Brooks, and as an Ensemble Member in Catch Me If You Can and Rodger's & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Thank you to Autumn for this opportunity and each and every member of our audience for coming out to support the arts!

Susan Diffenderfer
(Mistress Page)

This is Susan's 4th gaspipe performance previous roles incluse: Much Ado About Nothing/Dogberry, Romeo & Juliet/Lady Montague, Midsummer Night's Dream/Quince. Being a Merry Wife is a blast!

Other recent performances include Into The Woods/Jack's Mother (RiverStage), Sound of Music/Mother Abbess (RiverStage and Christ Wesleyan Theatre), Lewisburg Victorian Nutcracker (Strictly Ballet), A Little Off Broadway/soloist (Salt & Light Theater), Spamalot/Mother (RiverStage)

Susan loves performing, especially when she can share the stage with husband Lon and this wonderful cast and crew. Thank YOU for supporting live theater.

Kayleigh Confair
(Mistress Ford)

Kayleigh is thrilled to return to Gaspipe for another round of Shakespeare, especially for one of the lead roles! Her past credits include “Corner of Broadway and West Third” concerts, Romeo and Juliet as Lady Capulet, 10-Minute Shows in Milton, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life as Tilly, and many others. She would like to give a shout-out to her fellow castmates and production crew for their time and dedication to this show, and a special shout-out to her husband Andrew Confair for being her ride or die. I love you, baby! On with the show, and enjoy your merry wives! 💜

Danielle Renee Murphy
(Host of the Garter Inn)

Danielle Renee Murphy founded Gaspipe Theatre Company with the late, great, Derek Scott, after earning her BA in Theatre from West Chester University. She has worked throughout the valley with several theatre companies but is most proud of Gaspipe’s legacy. She works as a Director of Family Based Services at CMSU in Danville.

Em Ayn Bowen
(Simple/Fenton)

Kahlie DeHotman
(Mistress Quickly)

Kahlie DeHotman is grateful for the opportunity to perform for her third time with Gaspipe Theatre Company having previously played Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (2024) and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (2018). She both performs and directs regularly in the Williamsport, Lewisburg, and Milton community theatre scenes alongside her best friend and partner, Billy. Outside of the theatre Kahlie enjoys spending time traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her five fluffy cat children.

Ralph Sayers
(John Rugby)

Ralph is a Lewisburg resident. He has appeared in the Gaspipe Theatre productions Romeo and Juliet and The Elephant Man. He also has worked in RiverStage Theatre productions.

Josh Wilkinson
(Doctor Caius)

By gar, Josh is grateful to be making his third appearance for Shakespeare in the Park, having previously played Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing and Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream. You might have also seen him locally at Riverstage Theatre as Christopher Wren in Mouse Trap, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, and Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot. He also enjoys directing the fall play at Lewisburg Area High School - if you're in the mood for more Shakespeare, this year's show is As You Like It, set in the groovy 1960s on Nov. 7 and 8!

Andrew Confair
(Master Ford)

THE CREW

Autumn Wehry
(Director)

Andrew Shaffer
(Assistant Director)

Megan Shaffer
(Stage Manager)

Billy Shakespeare said “All the world’s a stage, and that stage needs to be managed.” Or something like that. She has previously lurked behind the scenes of A Street Car Named Desire and The Tempest. Megan’s most iconic, onstage role includes “Dancing Napkin #4” in Beauty and the Beast. Or as critics would go on to call it. Beauty and Dancing Napkin #4.

Stefan Eisenhower
(Set Design)

Cynthia Shaffer
(Costume Design)

Saf/Val
(Sound Engineer)

Saf, aka Val, is super proud to do the sound for this show. This show rules and everyone has been very nice to them. They do like sound and stuff, and are big into that, you know like, hearing stuff, and making noise, big on that, yeah (you can hear more of their noises on Instagram and TikTok). Otherwise they'd just like to thank Autumn for being the best, and Clementine the dog for being the second best. Also they made this website.

PSST! If you've read this far here's a secret: if you say, "think fast" and then punch Saf, they'll let you get away with it. That's a little trick for ya', aren't you glad you read til' the very end.

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SCENE-BY-SCENE SYNOPSIS

THE CAST

Tara Deljanovan(Shallow)

Ian Keefer(Slender)

Billy Martel(Parson Hugh)

Jason Cassidy(Master Page)

Andrew Shaffer(Sir John Falstaff)

Ian Sterner(Pistol)

Pete Zerbe(Nym)

Lon Diffenderfer(Bardolph)

Caitlin Meleski(Robin)

Ashli Starks (Anne Page)

Susan Diffenderfer(Mistress Page)

Kayleigh Confair(Mistress Ford)

Danielle Renee Murphy(Host of the Garter Inn)

Em Ayn Bowen(Simple/Fenton)

Kahlie DeHotman(Mistress Quickly)

Ralph Sayers(John Rugby)

Josh Wilkinson(Doctor Caius)

Andrew Confair(Master Ford)