by Aynn Titchenal
Theatregoers, do not underestimate the importance of seeing The Importance of Being Earnest,which opened this weekend at Little Theatre Off Broadway on a simply fashioned set that makes excellent use of the stage, with a cast that seems custom-made for this play.
The last play Oscar Wilde ever wrote and the one whose popularity has most endured, The Importance of Being Earnest easily proves that comedy is born of conflict and contrast. Set in Victorian England, the story revolves around aristocratic young bachelors, Algernon Moncrieff (Jim Foreman) and John Worthing (Brendan Berigan) and the fictions each has created in order to maintain, at once, a respectable life and one of pleasant irresponsibility. Algernon seeks to reap the largess of his Aunt Augusta, Lady Bracknell (Peggy Reasoner), while spending as little time as possible in her company. John desires to uphold a reputation as a country gentleman while living the life of a London man-about-town. Enter love, and the long-standing ruses make way for a new pastiche played for the benefit of the young ladies they wish to marry, Cecily Cardew (Deanna Lohn), John’s ward, and Gwendolyn Fairfax (Kasey Leah Vogel), Algernon’s cousin. Misunderstandings ensue, and their eventual unraveling creates what director/set designer Brent Alan Burington believes is one of the “three funniest plays ever written.”
Despite too rapid delivery that makes some lines hard to understand, fine performances leave the audience still laughing as they leave. Foreman’s Algernon and Berigan’s John are alike enough to be imagined as friends, yet enough at odds to reflect the two sides of the Victorian dandy Wilde portrays. Vogel and Lohn provide a vivid juxtaposition, connecting and disconnecting believably, with a spark that comes this close to igniting. Reasoner’s Lady Bracknell is refreshing — expectedly cranky, brittle, and sour yet with a hint of genuine, albeit not obvious, affection for both couples. To the more emotional scenes in this often-staged piece, these accomplished actors have added sparkle and style with a surprisingly physical interpretation.
Such solid portrayals deserve, and receive, strong support. Cathy Kleszczelski is winsome as Miss Prism, using her expressive eyes to advantage to illustrate that prudishness belies a romantic heart beating for the country rector. As stuffy and pompous Dr. Chasuble, Jim Dippel manages, charmingly, to appear unaware of being equally smitten by Prism. In a double casting this director has long hoped for, John Sorenson shines as the polished, assertive butlers Lane and Merriman. His dry delivery, animated expressions, and self-initiated pantomime (with blindingly-white gloved hands) make his performance a highlight of a satisfying evening.
Lighting by first-time Jai Furlong, costumes by Ginny Clear, and even the performances of the country estate’s “maid” (Stage Manager C. J. Jamison) during intermission add delight to a show it would be a shame to miss.
Little Theatre Off Broadway is staging The Importance of Being Earnest now through October 3 at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. Call (614) 875-3919 or visit the website here.
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Aynn Kilburger Titchenal has been a professional writer for over 30 years, during which time she has reviewed books and movies for the Vail Trail and restaurants for Ohio magazine. She’s been seen on stage with Bread & Circus Theatre since 2007 and will make her directorial debut with that troupe next June.
