The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Produced by Theatre Wesleyan, Fort Worth, Texas
Directed by Jeanne Everton
Audience rating: G
Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes plus two 12-minute intermissions
Accessible seating: Available
Hearing devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Noises or Visuals to prepare for: None of note
Reviewed by Stacey L. Simpson
Theatre Wesleyan’s staging of Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, proves that brilliant wit requires equally brilliant aesthetics. While the student actors navigated the lightning-fast repartee with commendable skill, the true stars of the evening were the meticulous attention paid to the production’s visual design, making the play a feast for the eyes as much as the mind.
All too often, theatre productions in a black box setting are presented in minimalist fashion, depending (too) heavily on the audience members’ imaginations and the actors’ ability to world-build. This was not the case in this production. Director Jeanne Everton and her production team anchored the production with rich, believable detail, thereby providing the perfect frame for this classic comedy to unfold.
From the opening moments in Algernon Moncrief’s impeccably appointed London flat, the audience is transported to the late Victorian era. The scenic design by Pella Lefever featured carefully selected furnishings that seemed curated not merely as background but as an extension of the characters’ privileged, if absurd, existence. Even the flooring was changed out between acts! Props design by Chad Rojas was also thoughtfully executed and worthy of the meticulously designed setting. This level of detail elevated the theatrical experience, allowing the audience to inhabit the world of tea, cucumber sandwiches, and social pretense as a primary personal value.
The commitment to period authenticity was carried through in the stylish costumes designed by Trinity Chenault, who also made an imperious and formidable Lady Bracknell. The beautifully-made, period-appropriate clothing was exceptionally elegant. The women’s gowns were exquisite, featuring the correct silhouettes, gorgeous headwear, and vibrantly colored fabrics that reflected the height of fashion in the 1890s. Equally impressive was the men's suiting; the sharp tailoring embodied the dandyism and rigid structure of the society Wilde so cleverly mocks. From a character perspective, the differences in the men’s style of clothing helped further emphasize the differences in personalities of the uptight, self-righteous Jack (Aaron Simmons) and the wicked, pleasure-seeking Algernon (Tristan Andrews).
The student cast handled Wilde's demanding dialogue with energy, pausing to let certain bons mots land but overall keeping up the pacing admirably. Makailyn Felder as the sophisticated, highly-opinionated Gwendolen Fairfax was particularly impressive, deftly giving voice to the inane contradictions of Victorian society Wilde was slyly mocking through the character’s lines. Her posture and poise were perfection! Bianca Zamorano was charming as the sheltered, romantic Cecily Cardew. Madison McKinzie and Dylan Evans acquitted themselves well as stern Miss Prism and the pedantic, clumsily flirtatious Reverend Chasuble. Oscar Lopez (Lane) and Madisyn Savard (Merriman) rounded out the talented cast.
This production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a showcase of university talent, reminding us of what student theater can achieve in its technical artistry. It is an elegant and thoughtful production that honors Wilde’s genius for laughter and luxury.
The production continues its run through November 22. Tickets can be purchased at txwes.edu/theatretickets.
On with the show!
Stacey L. Simpson
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