by Justin Rielly
In place of its COVID-canceled summer Highland Bowl production, the Shakespeare Program of Rochester Community Players (RCP) will present a one-night-only, streamed, benefit reading of *The Last Days of Falstaff*, written by local playwright Justin Rielly.
Set after the events of *Henry IV* (Parts 1 and 2), John Falstaff is struggling with being disowned by the newly-crowned King Henry V. When Falstaff breaks into a doctor’s house, he is taken in by the physician — and strikes a friendship with his tapster daughter Isabel.
As talk of war against France rises and Falstaff’s bond with Isabel grows, emotional tensions surface….
Written entirely in blank verse, Shakespeare’s chosen verse form, the play was inspired by the Shakespeare’s *Henry IV* (Parts 1 and 2), *Henry V*, and *The Merry Wives of Windsor*.
Characters :
John Falstaff
Isabel Fairfax
Dr. George Fairfax
Mistress Nell Quickly
Mistress Margaret “Meg” Page
Nym
Bardolph
Ancient Pistol
Justice Robert Shallow
Alfred
Thomas
Narrator
The reading will be a “pay-what-you-will” event, with a suggested donation of $5. Proceeds will go to the Rochester Community Players.