Beloved television star to portray Mistress Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the 2027 FREE Shakespeare in the Park Festival, February 25-28, 2027

Southern Shakespeare Company (SSC) is thrilled to announce acclaimed actress, entrepreneur, and podcast host Charisma Carpenter will join the cast of the 2027 FREE Shakespeare in the Park Festival as Mistress Ford in William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.

The Festival will take place February 25–28, 2027, at Cascades Park in Tallahassee and serves as the centerpiece of SSC’s 2026–2027 season, a year-long celebration of Shakespeare, community, and the shared joy of live performance.

Directed by SSC Artistic Director James Alexander Bond, The Merry Wives of Windsor is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, where two clever wives outwit one boastful rogue in a delightfully merry tale of wit, friendship, and revenge.

Carpenter is known worldwide for her iconic role as Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Today, she continues to connect with audiences through her successful podcast, The Bitch Is Back!, which explores fan culture, legacy television, and nostalgia-driven media while featuring behind-the-scenes conversations with former cast members, entertainment industry voices, and television critics.

She is also the founder of MyCon.Live, an innovative virtual fan convention platform that reimagines the relationship between creators and audiences through meaningful engagement and recurring fan experiences.

With more than three decades of performance and direct fan connection, Carpenter has built a career at the intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship, digital media, and authentic community building.

“I’m delighted to join the Southern Shakespeare Company for The Merry Wives of Windsor,” said Carpenter. “Some of my favorite stories are the ones that bring people together through humor, heart, and shared experiences. Shakespeare has been doing that for centuries, and I’m excited to become part of this wonderful community, meet audiences in Tallahassee, and celebrate live theatre together.”

Executive Director Bianca Montague said Carpenter embodies the spirit of the company’s upcoming season.

“Our 2026–2027 season is all about gathering together to experience the joy of storytelling,” said Montague. “Charisma has spent her career building meaningful connections with audiences, and she understands the power of community in a way that aligns perfectly with Southern Shakespeare Company’s mission. We’re honored to welcome her to Tallahassee and know our audiences will embrace her with the warmth and enthusiasm they’re known for.”

Bond said Carpenter brings exactly the kind of energy the production calls for.

“Few plays are as funny or as full of heart as The Merry Wives of Windsor,” said Bond. “Mistress Ford is fearless, quick-witted, and always one step ahead. Charisma has a wonderful instinct for comedy and an effortless connection with audiences, making her an ideal fit for this role. I can’t wait for Tallahassee to see what she brings to the stage.”

The announcement comes as Southern Shakespeare Company launches its 2026–2027 season, inviting local and regional audiences to come party with us and celebrate great story-telling. 

The season celebrates the spaces where people gather—local pubs, masquerades, festivals, cabarets, and parks—and the stories that remind us of the importance of friendship, community, laughter, and shared experiences.

The season includes:

• The Bar(d) Crawl (September 18–19, 2026) — Shakespeare on the move with four scenes, three bars, and a trolley ride through downtown Tallahassee.
• Romeo & Juliet (November 5–15, 2026) — A fast-paced five-actor touring production for schools and community audiences.
• The Play’s The Thing! (December 2026) — An original Youth Ensemble showcase featuring fresh interpretations of Shakespeare.
• The Merry Wives of Windsor (February 25–28, 2027) — The FREE Shakespeare in the Park Festival starring Charisma Carpenter as Mistress Ford.
• Shakespeare Night Live (May 7–9, 2027) — A high-energy evening of Shakespeare-inspired sketch comedy.

Admission to the Shakespeare in the Park Festival is free thanks to the generous support of the State of Florida, community partners, sponsors, patrons, and donors.

For more information about the season, Festival, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit SouthernShakes.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SouthernShakes.