Oscar Wilde‘s The Importance of Being Earnest is a captivating comedy and a clever social commentary. Bunburying around town, John (Alex Barlas) and Algernon (Jay Lee) use a fictitious name, Earnest, to hide their real identities in an attempt to avoid social responsibilities. But falling in love is complicated, and fake identities just make things worse.
The characters reflect Victorian England, a transformative period when the upper class saw their status challenged by the expansion of education and the possibility of a revolution. In that respect, Director Gigi Bermingham turns the stage into a faithful representation of the English aristocracy and the pressing issues afflicting them. The actors nail their roles and create a delightful expression of tea time with the characteristic wit of British comedy.
Lee and Barlas are a terrific duo that add depth and dynamism to their characters. Barlas as the gentle aristocrat John Worthing and Lee as the charming dandy Algernon Moncrieff. Their female counterparts, Jules Willcox as Gwendolen Fairfax and Alessandra Mañón as Cecily Cardew infuse vivacity to their charming and bitchy frenmity. The supporting cast also do a great job capturing the conflicting social norms prevalent during Wilde’s life. Bo Foxworth plays Rev. Canon Chasuble, a man who tries to uphold British morality while suppressing his own romantic feelings for Miss Prism (Julia Fletcher). And to satirize Victorian society even more, Wilde uses Lady Bracknell as the figure that represents the selfishness of the upper class. Anne Gee Byrd plays the role with hilarious wickedness, an attribute that complements the heart of the play and Wilde’s biting animosity towards a vain and conservative society.
The sumptuous costumes and creative set design are in themselves an attraction to enjoy. The tailored Victorian dresses and the elegant suits add an air of sophistication to the production that match perfectly with the decoration of the set design. The china sets reveal the attention to detail, a characteristic of real professionals.
With attractive visual elements, a group of extraordinary actors, and excellent direction, this production honors the conflicting feelings of a playwright who defied conventions and advocated for free will in a time when doing so would result in ostracism and the loss of freedom.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Antaeus Theatre Company
Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center
110 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
(between N. Brand Blvd. and Artsakh Ave.)
Oct 13, 2024 – Nov 18, 2024
Tickets: antaeus.org
Written by Oscar Wilde. Directed by Gigi Bermingham.
Cast: Alex Barlas, Anne Gee Byrd, Julia Fletcher, Bo Foxworth, Jay Lee, Alessandra Mañón, Jules Willcox, and Michael Yapujian.
Creative team: Scenic Designer Angela Balogh Calin. Lighting Designer Ken Booth. Properties Designer John McElveney. Dialect Coach Paul Wagar. Production Dramaturg Rachel Berney Needleman. Costume Designer Julie Keen. Sound Designer Salvador C Zamora. Intimacy Director Jen Albert. Production Stage Manager Talya Camras. Assistant Stage Manager Casey Collaso.
