Review: 'The Importance of Being Earnest' Remains Pungent Commentary
"The Importance of Being Earnest" is a witty and pungent satire of social mores, set in Victorian London.
Rhode Island Stage Ensemble's new production of the Oscar Wilde classic succeeds in every way, from the performances to the sets and costumes.
John ("Jack") Worthing (Michael Martins) and Algernon Moncrieff (Michael Ferron) are bachelors looking for love. The objects of their affection are Gwendolen Fairfax (Natania Perlman) and Cecily Cardew (Brittney Simard).
Jack and Algernon both pretend to be "Earnest" after Gwendolen and Cecily profess their love for the name. This results in confusion when the couples gather at Jack's country house. Engagements are announced, secrets are revealed, and a friendship is brought to the brink.
Martins and Ferron are dynamic as Jack and Algernon. They have excellent chemistry as they snipe at each other and plot to win over their fiancées.
"Don't be cynical," Jack tells Algernon. "It's too easy to be cynical." The subtext is that these men truly love each other, but are doing what they can to be accepted by their friends and families. We hear the verbal sparks and laugh, but there's sadness lingering just beneath the surface.
Perlman and Simard create well-rounded portraits of women who seek affection, but are unwilling to let go of their prejudices. "The simplicity of your character is incomprehensible to me," Gwen tells Jack in one such moment.
Merynn Flynn delivers a robust and crackling performance as Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen's somewhat overbearing mother, whose approval Jack seeks in order to marry. Money is a top priority in their discussions.
There is also a subplot involving Miss Prism (Leslie Nevola), Cecily's prim governess, who made a fateful mistake years ago. When the story is finally revealed, the lives of Jack and Algernon are changed forever.
The play showcases the petty cruelties of members of the upper classes, as well as the disdain city dwellers have for their country counterparts.
Director Rose Linnell and her performers understand these characters in all their flawed glory, as well as our desire to see them learn from their mistakes.
This production was obviously made with a lot of love and care for the story, and for Wilde's words. The attractive set design, by Linnell and Pat Ferron, and the glorious costumes, by Linnell and Jen Grover, show a tremendous commitment to authenticity.
Oscar Wilde was a gay man who had to hide his own identity in order to win acceptance in society. After "The Importance of Being Earnest" debuted, Wilde was arrested and convicted of gross indecency, simply for living the life he wanted to live. He never wrote another play again. Imagine the stories he could have continued to create if only people hadn't been so intolerant and unwilling to open their hearts and minds.
RISE had intended to present "The Importance of Being Earnest" in March 2020, when the pandemic forced the show to be put on hold for 18 months. The cast and creative team stuck it out, and have created a winning production.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" runs through October 24. Performances at 142 Clinton St., Woonsocket, RI. For tickets, visit ristage.org.
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