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Review: The Importance of Being Earnest |
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Wit is an important skill one needs to survive life’s travails. In Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” it is essential. Showing at the Ahmanson Theatre until March 5, 2006, this version of an oft-performed work is enjoyable. Wilde’s play of love and misunderstanding is a quick-paced romp. To summarize, Jack is in love with Gwendolen mostly because she thinks his name is Earnest, a divine name. Gwendolen’s bear of a mother, Lady Bracknell, disapproves and refuses to let them marry. Jack’s best friend, Algernon, falls in love with Jack’s ward, Cecily, while pretending to be Jack’s dead brother, Earnest. All hell breaks loose when the girls discover their finances aren’t whom they call themselves. Yet love triumphs for it is never too silly to consider the importance of being Earnest, a divine name. Led by the incomparable Lynn Redgrave as Lady Bracknell, the actors hit more than they miss. Comedy is a tricky thing to play, but witty comedy is quite beastly. The timing and tone of the actor’s comedic repartee is a delight, for the most part. There were times when Robert Petkoff as Algernon Moncrieff was a bit too much of an Algie, which is crossing the line from witty to overbearingly witty. Miriam Margolyes as Miss Prism was also a highlight of the play. When Miss Prism and Lady Bracknell square off, it is a scathing play of words and wit. It was like watching a puffed up partridge square off against a mighty ladyship. It has been 17 years since Lynn Redgrave appeared at the Ahmanson Theatre. She played the beautiful and conniving Marquise in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” in 1988. This is quite an opposite role, but Mrs. Redgrave plays it all in stride like a pro. Starring Lynn Redgrave, Miriam Margolyes and Terence Rigby. Directed by Sir Peter Hall. With Bianca Amato, Charlotte Parry, Robert Petkoff, Janes Waterson, Geddeth Smith, James A. Stephens, Greg Felden, Margaret Daly and Diane Landers. |
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