SRJC’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” hits all marks and satisfies on multiple levels. Director Wendy Wisely reinvented writer Oscar Wilde’s wit-driven play through a minimal set design and comprehensive character analysis, creating a hilarious and memorable evening of theater.
The play follows two bachelors who masquerade under the name “Ernest” to appease their respective, “Ernest-crazed” women, for whom the name produces unconquerable sexual “vibrations.” Both men must hazard the prickly Lady Bracknell, mother to Gwendolen, and aunt to second protagonist, Algernon.
The plot thickens as small misadventures and misunderstandings cause the women to believe they are betrothed to the same Ernest, their confusion results in calculated navigation of social propriety that escalates to farcically deliberate verbal blows. The examination of social insults culminates with one of the funniest moments of the play, a wonderfully timed and superbly silent face made by the butler, Merriman, who becomes a casualty by cake.
Grant Tambellini plays Algernon and nearly steals the show with extravagant gestures and body language, superb delivery and hilarious facial expressions. Kirsten Anderson plays the overbearing Lady Bracknell with poise and a shrewd pointed nature. She carried herself around the stage and the weight of her presence carried across to the audience with ease.
Gregory Skopp’s efforts as the frantic protagonist “Jack” merit recognition, and a big strawberry pie. He never missed a line, held his accent flawlessly and provided the anti-hero necessary for all of the shenanigans that abound.
Character analysis for “Earnest” must have been extensive. The amount of lines to deliver in an English accent would daunt most actors, but well-developed characters presented by standout actors led to quick-paced, playful banter. Even the butlers, whose minimal roles with non-committal and simple language, still manage to add first-rate humor as a stark comparison to the main characters’ overindulgent conversation.
The cast and crew had only five weeks to prepare yet delivered a superb performance. The short preparation period may have led to the only obvious complications within the play. Namely, the actors’ quick delivery of lines, which sometimes resulted in incomprehensible strings of dialogue. However, impeccable blocking and flawless set design carried over into a smooth, near-polished final product.
Wisely’s stylistic choice to have the actors posture toward the audience seemed questionable at times. It had the tendency to disengage the audience and separate the two worlds. More direct character interaction might have strengthened the suspension of disbelief and enhanced the effect of moments when characters addressed the audience directly.
Though minor glitches existed in the production, the overall power of Wilde’s writing does more than just survive under Wisely’s tutelage; it glows with memorable moments that become etched in the mind.
