Sweet Mercy! Royal Oak Judge Challenged to Duel

The opening of Shakespeare in the Park at Starr Jaycee Park on Thursday night killed.

Before the first line of The Merry Wives of Windsor was uttered, the show’s executive director, Ed Nahhat, had already stolen the show.

Nahhat challenged 44th District Judge Derek Meinecke to a duel—complete with swords—during opening festivities.

"I wanted to ask you if you were up for a little wager. I was thinking maybe a sword fight. What do you say? One duel between me and you. If I win, I get the black robe," said Nahhat, who fell to Meineke in the 2012 district judicial race.

"It's a duel!" Meinecke said. 

[Watch the video to see the dramatic result!]

In reality, there is there is no drama between the former judicial opponents. While running against each other last summer, the two men developed a friendship, Meinecke said.

"Shakespeare in the Park is such a unique program," said the judge. "I'll take any opportunity to support something that makes Royal Oak unique."

Nahhat hopes the duel shows that it is possible for leaders to come together to support a good cause–and poke a little fun, too!

"We were opponents in the political arena but we are always on the same side when it comes to improving the quality of life in Royal Oak," Nahhat said.