By Michelle Fowler
When attending a performance of The Importance of Being Earnest one should always expect rolling laughter. In the case of Midvale Art Council’s production of this Oscar Wilde farce in Midvale, all expectations are well met and often exceeded through the excellent acting choices onstage. The Importance of Being Earnest is a story told in three acts. Set around 1895, the audience is taken on a journey of absurd proportions filled with coincidences and irony.
The premise of the play is based on a lie told by John Worthing (Xean Cook) in order to escape his home in the country and visit the city of London whenever he would like; the lie is that he has a brother named Earnest. Once in London, he assumes this identity and is therefore able to lead a double life. The role of Worthing is Cook’s first role onstage and his acting is a hit. The character is demanding as Worthing experiences a large variety of emotions, both real and fake. Cook is able to differentiate which emotions were real to his character and which ones were being faked for the sake of the others onstage.
Worthing’s biggest mistake, aside from failing to be truthful from the beginning, is to tell his friend Algernon Moncrieff (Blake London) of his deception – a deception which Algernon is all too happy to exploit, taking up the name of Earnest for his own selfish indulgences. London creates an over-the-top flamboyancy that serves the character of Algernon well. London is crisp and precise in the delivery of his dialogue which ensures the story is able to be followed easily. The level of energy that London spends on each movement and every word is impressive to say the least.
London’s energy is matched by Maddy McDonough who plays Gwendolen Fairfax, Worthing’s love interest. McDonough takes her time with the delivery of her lines, ensuring that the appropriate meaning is portrayed. She has several standout moments in which Gwendolen’s strong personality shines with McDonough’s dramatic delivery, allowing for the punchline to hit the audience with precise timing.
Despite her strength, Gwendolen still finds herself controlled by her mother, Lady Bracknell (Jeanette Hansen). Lady Bracknell is the face of authority and propriety. The aristocracy and air of superiority that gives a real sense to the character is portrayed excellently by Hansen. Hansen’s facial expressions allow for the audience to interpret her thoughts as she interacts with the other characters. Hansen also gives Lady Bracknell that extra level of snootiness in her British accent that serves the story as it should.
The first act finds the characters served by Algernon’s butler Lane (Mark Sherman). Sherman has a difficult task of portraying two different yet nearly identical characters as he transitions to a second butler for the final two acts by the name of Merriman. Sherman gives both butler’s the type of deference toward their employers that would be expected of someone in that station, which makes the two characters very similar. It takes a few moments when Merriman first appears to realize it’s not the same character, but after a bit of reframing it is easy enough to immerse yourself back into the show as Merriman assists Cecily Cardew (Savannah Harman).
Cecily is Algernon’s love interest. He introduces himself to Cecily as none other than Earnest. He is soon surprised to find that Cecily has been in love with Earnest for months despite never having met. Harman is able to portray a character, who has for all intents and purposes made up an imaginary boyfriend, as loveably mad. It doesn’t bother her one bit that she decided to become engaged to someone she had not met; Harman’s acting does this fact a great service. While spouting off thoughts that seem bizarre to the outside observer, Harman smiles and delivers the lines so sweetly you can’t help but love her despite the strangeness of the situation.
Cecily lives in the countryside as the ward of John Worthing. She is tutored by Miss Prism (Barbara Bellows-TerraNova). Miss Prism has a crush on the resident Reverend, Doctor Canon Chasuble (Conor Thompson). It is a delight to watch Bellows-TerraNova and Thompson onstage together. They don’t have to worry about the same proprieties as our main love stories. Their flirting takes on a youth-like exuberance that is endearing to watch.
The Midvale Art Council’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a success not only due to the acting but for the great production value from the behind-the-scenes team as well. Glen Reber is the play’s director, supported by the assistant director Maren Holmes. The use of the stage space is dynamic and engaging through Reber’s blocking and direction. The play has some excellent producers behind it as well. Melody Dawn Chapman and Stephanie Johnson provide the support needed to create a successful production.
Visually the space was well designed. Chris Peck is responsible for the set design and technical aspects of the show. Jared Peck serves as the tech crew. The set pieces are appropriate to give a proper feel to the spaces in which the characters inhabit. The large bay window set piece is a great addition to define the perspective shift from the outdoor garden area to the indoors between the second and third acts.
The costumes also help immerse the actors and audience into the 1890’s. Deborah Wouden picked excellent costume pieces for each of the actors with the assistance of Joey Calkins. Lady Bracknell’s plum dress in the first act is gorgeous, while Gwendolen’s dress takes the cake in the second and third acts. Each actor is dressed smartly, especially Algernon, whose suits are always pressed and in order. The dialogue gives a nod to the fact that Algernon is always well dressed, and the costumes support this impeccably. The women also have some beautiful wigs with the support of the hair and makeup consultant Casey Matern.
The Importance of Being Earnest is filled with laughter and jokes. It teaches the value of honesty through the irony the story presents. The Midvale Arts Council presents a play that is a classic for a reason. Full of witty banter, it’s a farcical commentary on societal expectations that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. For an entertaining evening, come out to Midvale to enjoy this production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
The Midvale Arts Council presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 W Center St, Midvale, UT 84047
March 8, 9, 11, 14-16, 2019 7:30 PM (Saturday matinees 2:00 PM)
Tickets: $7-$10 https://bit.ly/2SQnNBR
Contact: 385-313-0278
Midvale Arts Council Facebook Page
The Importance of Being Earnest Facebook Event
The Midvale Arts Council presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 W Center St, Midvale, UT 84047
March 8, 9, 11, 14-16, 2019 7:30 PM (Saturday matinees 2:00 PM)
Tickets: $7-$10
Contact: 385-313-0278
Midvale Arts Council Facebook Page
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