Debuting Artist: Ryan Fleming

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Ryan makes his OpenStage debut in The Merry Wives of Windsor!

Please tell us bit about your background and how you got into theatre!

My mother says that I have been a “ham bone” from birth. She was friends with people in the community theatre community. When I was 14, her friend cast me in the college production of Biloxi Blues. I found the theatre geeks in high school to be more inclusive than the jocks, so I never looked back.

How did you first hear about OpenStage, and what drew you to work with us for this show?

I had seen a few shows many years ago. When my partner and I got together, she was a coworker of several people in the community.

What is your role in this show, and what excited you most about working on this particular production?

I am portraying the fat knight Falstaff. I’m glad I finally have a reason to put this belly to work. Seriously though, it has been an honor to work all of these fabulous artists. Their patience and help have been immeasurable.

What has been the most enjoyable or unexpected part of the rehearsal process so far?

My favorite part is always the performance. The exchange of energy between performers and audience can be breathtaking.

What has been the most challenging part of bringing this character to life?

Very rusty skills. The memory isn’t even close to what it used to be.

What makes this show a unique kind of play to work on?

The open collaboration of the group for comedy.

Why do you think this show is relevant to audiences now and should be performed today?

This is a great piece of comedy. It amazes me how little the English language has changed over 400 years. The great advantage of theatre is to see how people have shared experiences, even with centuries between them.

What is your favorite moment or scene in the show, and why does it stand out to you? 

I love how the wives plan ahead and adapt in the moment. This has also been the greatest number of times that I’ve fallen in a show.

If you could swap roles with any other character in this play for a day, who would it be and why?

I’m good. I am very appreciative for what I have.

What is your favorite play and/or musical, and why?

My favorite is probably Picasso at the Lapin Agile, because it is so “off the wall.”

What is your favorite role you’ve played in the past? Why was that role special to you?

I don’t have a favorite. Algernon from The Importance of Being Earnest was at a magical point in my life. That would probably be the closest.

What do you like to do in your free time (when you’re not working on theatre projects)?

I’m a nerd, so I like making costumes for conventions. If I had time, I would read more. Hopefully soon my green thumb will bloom, and I will be able to keep a garden alive.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Kate Austin–Gröen

June 7, 2026 – July 11, 2026

The stumbling and bumbling Sir John Falstaff has a plan: Seduce two wealthy housewives and make off with their fortunes. But these “merry wives” are far more clever than he, and are ready to play some tricks of their own. Shakespeare’s satire pokes fun at the audacious and overly confident “Falstaffs” of the world, while celebrating brilliant women and the nuance of everyone in between. Walk in, bike in, or drive in for a magical night under the stars! Featuring nightly food trucks.

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