"The Importance of Being Earnest," show #899

Oscar Wilde knew what he was writing when he wrote it. A timeless, witty, social commentary that allows the actors to give inflection and impeccably timed nuance while also enjoying the ability to get out of the script’s way when called for. Denise Graziani’s direction elevates the uniformly talented cast at Good Company Players to play the laughs while still honoring the legacy of this hallmark title. 

(Ross Bookout (Jack); Photo source: Good Company Players)

Alex Vaux and Ross Bookout lead the show as Algernon and Jack, respectively, and do so with a knack for the witty inflection Wilde’s words offer. The banter and reactionary beat-honoring is earned and makes for plot-propelling hilarity. Erin Brown and Jessica Martin make for a delightful pairing as Gwendolen and Cecily, respectively. Brown’s all-knowing maturity as Gwendolen plays well opposite Martin’s breezy hopeless romantic in a fashion that doesn’t dilute their genuine motivations for finding love in the flawed men they seek. The farcical timing is always forward-facing, and both Brown and Martin make great use of their pauses and physical comedy when in competition and then bonded by sisterhood.

(Jessica Martin (Cecily) and Erin Brown (Gwendolen); Photo source: Good Company Players)

Mary Piona is a standout as Lady Bracknell, whose steady performance drips with every hilariously delivered insult coupled with a proper airy-ness and matriarchal command. Gordon Moore and Julia Reimer pair well as Dr. Chausible and Miss Prism (the role is doubled between Reimer and Valerie Munoz) as their glances, inflection of the naughtier lines Wilde offers, and tension-filled chemistry that is palpable, well-developed, and superbly delivered. 

(Mary Piona (Lady Bracknell); Photo source: Good Company Players)

Ginger Kay Lewis-Reed’s costume design is fabulously in period and bright, giving personality and visual allure to each role and their eccentricities. David Pierce’s set design serves the three-act, three-locale structure wonderfully, giving an expansive simplicity to each new space with decadent furniture and plenty of space for the staging to breathe. In all, The Importance of Being Earnest is a tried-and-true title of comedy, and seems to always hit the beats for modern audiences to enjoy while keeping true to the beloved classic farce it is.