By Guest Reviewer Ben Burdick
A new group is producing an old favorite in Ogden: The Importance of Being Earnest by the White Canvas Players—and you don’t want to miss this one. Whenever a classic play is presented as taking place in modernity, the result usually feels at least a little forced, as mannerisms and language become largely anachronistic when fused with their modern counterparts. Then, there are those rare presentations that not only address such challenges, but fully embrace them. The White Canvas Players’ recent attempt at rising to such a challenge is exactly such a gem, thanks to two things: first, the genius of Oscar Wilde‘s brilliant social farce, easily feeling just as timely and applicable a full century and a quarter after its first performance; and second, the talent and theatrical savvy of the team putting it together.
With this fresh look at Earnest, it is clear that modernization is part of the concept from the very beginning. I was astounded at how well Wilde’s characters slipped into our modern quirks and sensibilities. Cell phones, laptop computers, modern costumes, and of course, modern romances, all of these serve to celebrate, rather than detract from, Oscar Wilde’s brilliant critique of societal foibles.
Aaron Linford and Daisy Allred, the directing duo that brought this fresh and fantastic approach to the stage, actively chose to use the play to address modern social issues, celebrating Wilde both as a brilliant playwright and as an icon for the eternal social struggle toward equality. Actors Landon Weeks, Malea Coleman, Kate Olsen, and Rachel Intrator, performing in the four principal roles of Jack, Algy, Gwendolyn, and Cecily, respectively, do a fantastic job bringing to life the joys and challenges of new romance, each of them tapping into and delivering performances as poignant and hilarious as the other. Emma Thomas and Rick Hendricks, playing Miss Prism and the endearingly incompetent Doctor Chasubal, portray their characters, and the budding unconventional affair between them, with adorable flair and admirable poise. Andrew Bramble, alternating dual roles between two very different butlers, was perfectly cast as the long-suffering Lane, and the dedicated and respectable Merriman. One of the play’s standout performances is Joe Linford as Lady Bracknell, an Ogden local who found himself dressed and made up in full drag in only his second play. Still, he rises to the challenge, and delivers a performance that could easily find a comfortable place next to the great portrayals of Bracknell’s character. Each of these performers clearly understands their directors’ vision, and execute that vision with great care and skill.
The collaboration and dedication of this team is palpable, culminating in a performance Mr. Wilde himself would have readily applauded.
The show’s short run ends Monday evening, April 15th. If you are at all able, I highly encourage you to do yourself a favor and be at the Ogden High School black box theatre a little before 7:30, to experience the White Canvas Players’ newest version of one of the most poignant comedies ever written.
White Canvas Players in Association with Ogden High School Theatre presents The Importance of Being Earnest, the New, Old Fashioned Play, by Oscar Wilde
April 11-13, 15, 2019 7:30 PM
Ogden High School Blackbox Theatre, 2828 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403, located on the south side of the school across from the Auditorium.
Tickets: $10 available at the door
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO OGDEN HIGH THEATRE
The Importance of Being Earnest Facebook Event
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