Ya you read that right. I do love women but what I mean is that I took in some high culture today in the form of a play! New followers who are live theater lovers may be pleased to learn I live in a town known around the world for its summer theater festival. World class production and actors bring thousands and thousands of play-lovers from across the world to our small town. It is the only reason there are so many great restaurants and makes for employment for hundreds of folks. https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
Today, I attended The Merry Wives of Windsor. https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Merry-Wives-Of-Windsor
" Pursuing two respectably married women at the same time, a would-be seducer fails to anticipate that his targets will, quite literally, compare notes. Nor has he reckoned on the mischievous spirit in which the wives will use their wits and wiles to teach him the error of his ways.
Set in the 1950s, in a town not unlike Stratford, Ontario, this production brings Shakespeare’s rollicking comedy close to home – and close to our hearts. "
Truth be told, I would have been happier if my wife announced that we were going golfing for the weekend rather than having scored theater tickets. I didn't let her know that but you could tell she knew ;) Who am I to stand in the way of someone who wants a different adventure and be an enabler? I am a fantastic wing man (and arm warmer in a cool theater it turns out.)
I made sure we left nice and early so that we could park far away to avoid the vehicular free-for-all, have a nice walk down by the water, and add a few hundred steps to the old 
Maybe it is wisdom that draws a predominantly older crowd, or the years of making a living that affords you the tickets. Either way, they made me feel very young but excited for their excitement. I bet I could have a beer with these guys and get some fantastic stories.
What they do to transform a simple rectangular platform into a far away place in another time is fantastic. This one appeared to be thrown back to earlier last century even though it was a play written over a hundred years ago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratford_Festival We arrived early enough to relax in our seats and watch the theater fill up with excited folks. My better half was remarking afterward about how every time we go, the folks next to her strike up a conversation without fail. This time, it was a happy older couple from Arizona.
The Festival Theater seats 1800 people but it really feels cozy. http://www.stratfordontario.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/TheatresAuditoriums/ 7 rows from the stage is a great place to be and the design made it so that no microphones were needed. Kinda cool.
I made sure to follow the rules and not pull out my camera during the performance so no spoilers here. Could you imagine if I did and we were escorted out? The wife points I was earning for attending would quickly vanish and those I have in balance would diminish as well.
The play was rather silly but the performances were entertaining and it was pretty damn funny. My official review is "I did not hate this!" which is about as glowing a review as I can give as a heathen who doesn't absolutely love the theater. It may not be my cup of tea but I will go every time I am presented with tickets. Such professionals and I have to appreciate the effort, talent and enjoy something a little different.
Ever wanted to attend world class theater? Interested in visiting Stratford? This look like a neat new spot for some small town and a new adventure? Hit me up and I will point you in the right direction for a vacation which you will want to repeat every year.
