Arts Alliance of Pine Rivers Inc

The Importance of Being Earnest

 

In Earnest, Jack Worthing, played effectively by Alan Reilly a is well-off gentleman who, though abandoned as an infant, was adopted by a wealthy family. Upon his adopted father's death, Jack became the ward of his father's granddaughter, the beautiful, 18-year old Cecily (Amanda Burgess). Burgess plays the part with an impish silliness that Wilde would have admired.

For convenience, Jack has created a fictitious younger, irresponsible, brother "Earnest" who lives in town. Algernon (Mathew Shadwell), Jack's dearest friend, has himself created a fictional friend "Bunbury". Bunbury, unfortunately, has a weak constitution and is frequently ill so when Algernon wishes to get out of a social engagement, he regretfully declines, explaining that his dear friend Bunbury has beckoned him to his bedside. Unfortunately I was sitting at the back of the auditorium and Shadwell’s soft monotone voice was hard to understand.

Jack has proposed marriage to Algernon's cousin Gwendolen (Carol-Anne Morris), but faces formidable obstacles. Gwendolen's mother, Lady Bracknell (Sandra Hines) disapproves of everything and everyone. It is at this point that the play really lifts into top gear. These two fine actresses had the audience, including me, in stiches.

Lady Bracknell would not even consider letting her daughter marry a man who can only trace his family tree back to a handbag that was abandoned at Victoria Station. For her part, Gwendolen knows nothing of Jack and his obligations, as she has fallen in love with the name "Earnest" and will only marry a man with this name.

Fascinated by Jack's descriptions of Cecily, Algernon travels to Jack's country house, where he announces himself as "Earnest". Cecily has had schoolgirl fantasies about "Earnest", fueled by his terrible reputation; so the scene is set for the silliest of all plots.

It gives Oscar Wilde the opportunity to poke fun at the English upper classes with all the acerbic wit at his command. First time director (Michael McWhirter) produces a fine effort moving his cast effortlessly around the stage. (His final scene with a large number on stage does get a little messy) His sets are simple but highly effective and he wisely keeps the play in its original three acts so that scene changes are effortless.

The costumes are brilliant and Sandra Hines, who also plays Lady Bracknell must be given the highest praise for her efforts. They would be at home on the West End. Sound and lighting by David Scheiwe complimented the costumes, an art sometimes not achieved in amateur theatre.

Ray Swenson

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