Never in the course of the English language, Winston Churchill might have said, did so many words carry so little meaning, as in the writing of Oscar Wilde. Washington theatergoers seeking bold explorations of important issues should go elsewhere, but Shakespeare Theatre Company's current production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a faithful, exuberant interpretation of a classic script in a tradition one might call pointless wit. (It is hard to believe that the likes of Monty Python and "Little Britain" could exist had Wilde not provided such languid, dissipated footsteps in which to follow.)
For those unfamiliar with the work, “Earnest” is a love story in which aliases and absurdity abound. The play follows the exploits of John Worthing, played by Gregory Wooddell, and the always-hungry, irreverently rakish Algernon, portrayed petulantly by Anthony Roach, as they seek a way out of a conundrum of their own making in order to secure the love of Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, each of whom strives successfully to be shallower than the other. Set Designer Simon Higlett’s work transports the audience, along with the characters, from a properly staid English drawing room to a cheerful country garden--only in the sybaritic world of Oscar Wilde can grapevines grow so luxuriantly in England. Director Keith Baxter’s decision to stay mostly true to Wilde’s original concept resulted in an enjoyable, if predictable, performance.
Vanessa Morosco as Gwendolen and Gregory Wooddell as Jack in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Keith Baxter. Photo by Scott Suchman.
Algernon and Jack, both wealthy English gentlemen with positions in society that need to be maintained, are masterminds of using imaginary people as ready excuses for escaping the tedium of their indolent, pampered everyday lives--though only to be lazier and more hedonistic. They are revealed, to no one's great surprise, to be exceedingly childish (bickering over muffins) when ensnared by their own lies. Their subterfuge nearly results in a catfight of Victorian proportions between the fashionably improper Gwendolen, played by Vanessa Morosco, and the unpolished, impetuous Cecily Cardew, played by Katie Fabel. One might accuse Wilde of misogyny, but his male characters are even more vapid.
The justly renowned octogenarian, Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning actress Siân Phillips, shines in STC's production in her role as Lady Bracknell, a perfectly prudish and disapproving aunt whose mere presence on stage manages to involuntarily coax better posture from the audience. While her character would seem to be the voice of reason, her lines run contrary to that role; instead, it’s left to the calm, indifferent servants such as Lane, played by Todd Scofield, and Merriman, played by John O’Creagh, to provide a solid contrast in temperament.
Vanessa Morosco as Gwendolen, Gregory Wooddell as Jack, Katie Fabel as Cecily, Siân Phillips as Lady Bracknell and Anthony Roach as Algernon in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Keith Baxter. Photo by Scott Suchman.
“Earnest” is a guaranteed laugh for all, so grab your significant other (NOTE: Valentine’s Day Gift Idea!) or a group of friends and chase away the winter doldrums with this jovial performance. As Wilde might have said, it's too trivial to be overlooked.
The production has been extended to run through March 9 at the Lansburgh Theatre. Tickets are available by calling (202) 547-1122 or by visiting shakespearetheatre.org.
Cloture Couple remind their friends of Mata Hari and Ernest Hemingway, except that they are much more daring and intriguing. When not writing theatre reviews for Cloture Club, they are involved with haute cuisine, oenology, and international intrigue. They are the most interesting people in the world. Or, at least, in their world.
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