Behind the Scenes: Sir John Falstaff

It’s always tricky to get the great Sir John Falstaff, arguably Shakespeare’s most comic creation, to stop talking about the ladies…particularly the Merry Wives of Stonington…and his appreciation for said ladies, especially when they wear breeches. Nonetheless, we’ve managed to wrangle an interview with him this week. It was a bit touch-and-go given our Skype connection back to the early 1400s was shaky. But we prevailed and eventually got him to answer our questions – in between gulps of mead.

1. Where did you grow up?

As good luck would have it, I am son to the great England, but there be less interest in where I came of age than in how I managed the feat. Thou knowest in the state of innocency Adam fell, and what should poor Jack Falstaff do in the days in villainy? And now am I, if a man should speak truly, little better than one of the wicked. It is not solely superiority of strength that allows my body breath, but an advantageous mind, which informs when to fight and when on instinct to be a coward. The better part of valor is discretion.

2. How would your comrades in arms remember you?

They would remember my courage and cunning, of course, but if forced to claim a favorite trait – if such a task is achievable – I suspect they would hold in highest esteem my wit. I am not only witty in myself, but the cause that wit is in other men.

*We played a range of twentieth and twenty-first century songs for Sir John.*

3. Which of these songs, if any, do you most relate to?

Your troubadours perform with appealing verve. If I must favor one, I would cast my heart toward the tune by the string of letters [*I’m Sexy and I Know It, by LMFAO*]. I too understand the feeling of drawing all eyes.

4. We’ve heard that you’ll be visiting Stonington this summer. What are you most looking forward to on this trip?

Do all the ladies of Stonington favor breeches?

We had to let Sir John get back to his…work, but he’ll be making an in-person trip to the Opera House this summer. Our Gala patrons attending the Grand Opening of our new lobby July 6 may get an unexpected peek at the Fat Knight. Otherwise, see him on stage August 13th through the 23rd. Tickets on sale now on the website and in the box office!