Underlying the farcical hijinks of mistaken identities and lovers’ quarrels, the theme of found family lends a sweet note to this Pride Month production.
Lynne Baker, Andi Muriel and Crystal Claros in “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Strawdog Theatre. “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde’s popular farce that skewers Victorian manners, premiered in 1895 — just months before the Irish playwright was famously tried, convicted and imprisoned for homosexual acts. The UK government posthumously pardoned him, along with more than 50,000 gay men, in 2017.
The play opens in the Boystown apartment of Algernon , where his friend “Ernest” is visiting in hopes of proposing to Algernon’s cousin and Bracknell’s daughter, Gwendolen . But first, Algernon demands that Ernest explain why he owns a watch engraved to “Uncle Jack” from “little Cecily.” The setup for the farce is as follows: “Ernest” proposes to Gwendolen, who enthusiastically accepts, but Bracknell refuses to approve the match after finding out that he was a foundling abandoned in a tote bag in Ogilvie Station. Meanwhile, Algernon makes his way to Michigan to woo Cecily, a 26-year-old who lives with her life doula, Miss Prism , and journals about her vividly imagined romantic life.
The cast is still working out the comedic timing in certain moments, and there were a few stumbles over lines at the performance I saw, but this ensemble is already quite funny. Seijo and Muriel have great chemistry as roguish Algernon and flirtatious Cecily. Reyes shines as Bracknell, with an unbending haughty posture and a subtle twitch of the lips to signal disapproval. Crystal Claros and Matt Keeley add to the fun in the respective roles of Dr.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Review: In the brilliant ‘English’ at Goodman Theatre, a language class takes on global importanceThis Pulitzer Prize-winning play never leaves the classroom in Karaj, a city in central Iran. You’ll believe every word of what you’re seeing.
Read more »
Husky Roster Review: The UW Defense Starts With Tuputala Roster Review: Tuputala ProThe veteran linebacker is set to become a starter for a third consecutive season.
Read more »
Tems’ ‘Born in the Wild’ is a Searing Spiritual for a Tortured GenerationReview: Tems' 'Born in the Wild' Review
Read more »
Ziip Halo Review: A Vogue Editor’s Review After Testing for 2 MonthsThe Ziip Halo uses microcurrent and nanocurrent to firm and lift skin. Read one Vogue editor’s review of the buzzy beauty device after testing it for 2 months.
Read more »
A different perspective on the importance of gut health.This post explores a different way to view the trendy topic of gut health by exploring the gut-brain connection and how to trust your gut with greater confidence.
Read more »
Steve Lutz Stresses Importance of Filling Gallagher-Iba Arena: 'We've Gotta Get BackThe Cowboys will need home-court advantage to help them in another tough Big 12 campaign.
Read more »