The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Galaxy Theatre
Santa Ana

Material: Another transplant from the Southern Renaissance Faire, the harmonies of these "tavern wenches" translate well in a non-faire setting. Featuring musicians from their "brother" group, The Poxy Boggards, who use authentic renaissance instruments, the Wives' songs range from the ridiculous to the sublime and feature heavy audience participation. Included in the repertoire are some great Irish classics, including Whiskey in the Jar (which the Wives call "Jenny's Song") and Bog Down in the Valley-O, which the Wives have turned into a sing-a-long. Another of the Wives' songs asks the interesting question, what do I do if all the boys are related to me?

Musicianship: Although they sing with the voices of angels, the Wives' material is sometimes innocent and often risqué' and bawdy. Greene stood out with her vocal punch on Prickle Holly Bush. The Wives' harmonies are exquisite, and combined with the authentic renaissance-era instruments, transport the listener back in time, away from the hustle and the bustle of the present day, back to a time when the simple things like surviving the winter storms and cold were reason enough to celebrate.

Performance: Performing before large crowds at the Renaissance Faire has prepared these lasses for this, their debut non-faire performance. The Wives maintained great eye contact with their audience, inviting them to join in the show, and the audience responded with great enthusiasm, singing along with the Wives at the top of their (often) drunken lungs. The floor was packed with supporters, a true mutual admiration society. Almost every one of the Wives had a solo part at one time or another, as they spread the talent out among the entire group. During one song, the Wives broke out the kazoos, and played them flawlessly, much to the delight of the crowd. The conclusion of the concert was met with a rousing ovation, and the audience demanded and got their encore performance.