“The Importance of Being Earnest” is not a new play by any means. Oscar Wilde’s famous “trivial comedy for serious people” has been around for over a century and has been performed around the world by a plethora of acting troupes.
Last Thursday night in the Touhill Performing Arts Center’s Lee Theater, however, the play took on a new life of its own, thanks to some particularly inspired design and set choices, as well as some excellent performances.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” is the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Department of Theatre, Dance and Media Studies’ spring play, and is directed by Jason Cannon, assistant visiting professor of theatre and Kevin Kline Award nominee.
Instead of the traditional late-1800s setting of Wilde’s masterpiece, the Theatre Department’s adaptation transplants the play to 1950s New York.
The play was billed as “Earnest Meets Mad Men.” It was definitely different than the classic version yet, thankfully, retained its madcap tomfoolery.
The story starts in the Manhattan flat of one Algernon Moncrieff, played admirably by Ben Watts. He seemed hesitant at first, yet soon warmed to his role immensely. Algernon’s chaotic debauchery is part of what makes the play so zany, and Watts did an excellent job of it.
Sadly, there is one part of the play where the transition from 1890s London to 1950s New York is not quite as smooth. Despite a first-rate performance by Juan Shivers Lane (Algernon’s servant/butler) the idea of a bachelor living in a flat in Manhattan with a butler is a little farfetched.
Algernon’s best friend and comedic foil is Jack Asbury. It is arguable that despite the sizable all-student cast, Jack is the main character of the play. Jack was played heroically by Sean Green, who quite simply stole the show with his performance.
Green’s ability and enthusiasm seemed to be infectious, inspiring all cast mates on stage with him to greater heights. To do this to an already talented company is no small feat and should be commended.
The rest of the cast was no exception. Erin Roberts ably performed as Lady Bracknell with grace and a powerful, commanding intensity.
Jami Hirsch took to the part of Lady Bracknell’s daughter Gwendolyn with an unmatched fierceness. The sincerity of her performance, as well as her ability to convey emotion with merely a look was remarkable.
The part of “little Cecily” was played with childlike innocence and gusto by Joanna Lynn Brown, who took to the part with an attitude both refreshingly flippant and emotionally vivacious.
The characters of Miss Prism and Reverend Chasuble, played by Kate Rehagen and Ryan Glosemeyer, respectively, was no exception to the ability shown by the rest of the cast.
Perhaps one of the best choices made in transporting the play to the 1950s was the simply brilliant idea of outfitting the set changeover crew in period clothing instead of the typical all-black garb. Though they were only seen twice, and briefly at that, the camaraderie shown in their silent actions was welcome and a good fit.
Part of that crew was Michael Pierce, doing double service as changeover crew and as Merriman, the butler for Jack’s upstate manor house—a place where a butler in the 1950s actually makes sense.
The Theatre Department’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” is not to be missed by anyone, young or old. Whether or not you have seen the play before, the 1950s take is unique and refreshing.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” is on its second and final run this week. Catch it March 10-13 at 7:30 pm in the Touhill’s Lee Theater.