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The Art of Making Merry

April 11, 2025 School of Music | School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

Photo by Taneen Momeni

Go behind the scenes of the Maryland Opera Sudio’s production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

By ARHU Staff

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.

Designed by MFA students in the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS), the set itself is a marvel: 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 into 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 appears in the chorus and also plays Bardolph. It’s her first operatic performance of this size at UMD. “The show is just general tomfoolery; it’s been such a joy to work on.”

These behind-the-scenes images offer a rare glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry that drive a production of this scale.

Planning and production for the opera begins months in advance, but set pieces are only loaded in a few weeks before the performances. Final details, such as painting, are finished before dress rehearsals begin.
Planning and production for the opera begins months in advance, but set pieces are only loaded in a few weeks before the performances. Final details, such as painting, are finished before dress rehearsals begin.

 

The opera is all hands on deck. In addition to the design staff and performers, the production is supported by technical staff at The Clarice.
The opera is all hands on deck. In addition to the design staff and performers, the production is supported by technical staff at The Clarice.

 

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.
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.

 

Performers spend several hours prior to rehearsals and performances having their hair and makeup done.
Performers spend several hours prior to rehearsals and performances having their hair and makeup done.

 

Production staff closely monitor rehearsals and performances to ensure performers hit their marks and that lighting design runs smoothly. The smallest details are tracked down to the seconds.
Production staff closely monitor rehearsals and performances to ensure performers hit their marks and that lighting design runs smoothly. The smallest details are tracked down to the seconds.

 

Seated in a recessed space just in front of the stage, the orchestra provides the musical backdrop for the on-stage performers.
Seated in a recessed space just in front of the stage, the orchestra provides the musical backdrop for the on-stage performers.

 

Alla Salakhova (left) plays Bardolph, a silent yet hysterical character.
Alla Salakhova (left) plays Bardolph, a silent yet hysterical character.

 

The production includes all members of MOS, in addition to other SOM voice students, who perform in the opera’s chorus.
The production includes all members of MOS and other SOM voice students who perform in the opera’s chorus, as well as MOS alumni.

 

Waiting in the wing, performers watch their peers and listen for the precise moment to enter the stage.
Waiting in the wing, performers watch their peers and listen for the precise moment to enter the stage.

 

Set pieces create a corridor for actors to stand in unseen, allowing them to position themselves to enter the stage from any direction.
Set pieces create a corridor for actors to stand in unseen, allowing them to position themselves to enter the stage from any direction.

 

The hard work of the performers, designers and production staff culminates in a breathtaking performance, capable of transporting audience members to another world.
The hard work of the performers, designers and production staff culminates in a breathtaking performance, capable of transporting audience members to another world.

 

Behind-the-scenes photos by Taneen Momeni and Lisa Helfert. The production runs April 11-19. Reserve your tickets and view the program book here.