Alvin Keith as Reverend Chasuble, Joyce Meimei Zheng as Cecily Cardew, Marion Adler as Lady Bracknell, Carolyne Leys as Gwendolen Fairfax, Tug Rice as John ‘Jack’ Worthing, Celia Schaefer as Miss Prism and Christian Frost as Algernon Moncrieff. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) begins their 63rd Season with a rousing production of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated play The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde described the play as "a trivial comedy for serious people." Notes in the STNJ program for this play indicate that it pokes fun "at Victorian society's obsession with appearances, respectability, and rigid social codes." These issues are examined in the behaviors of the characters, each with a specific task in mind.
The production at STNJ carries out these issues in grand style under the superb direction of Brian B. Crowe. Crowe gives us characters who deliver the sharp dialog and clever wordplay for which Oscar Wilde is so well known. Additionally, comedic touches flourish throughout the show. Especially impressive is the pace of the show which allows the audience to listen and fully enjoy it all. A strong cast delivers all of this with great polish and assurance making this a very fine play to see and enjoy.
Well designed sets with furniture representative of Victorian society are seen throughout the show. You may even spot a fainting couch! Beautiful costumes complete the Victorian look of the show.
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
This quote gives a brief thought about what Wilde covers in the play. There are many funny lines delivered throughout the play which attempt to explain situations and descriptions of those circumstances the characters are in. But when one looks at it, the characters themselves have created their own situations.
A major focus of The Importance of Being Earnest is on Algernon Moncrieff (Christian Frost) and John “Jack” Worthing (Tug Rice). Both turn in marvelous performances as they create second identities for themselves. Their concern about appearances involves using different names depending on which residence they are at. Coincidentally, both use the name, Earnest. Both have romantic interests and their ladies both fancy the name Earnest. Both men have distinct ideas about marriage which they discuss at length. Much is hidden about them and it takes time to come out.
Richard Bourg plays the roles of Lane and Merriman very humorously. The character Lane is a butler to Algernon and Merriman serves Jack Worthington. His movements and actions are done in comedic style especially one scene when luggage is being moved in and out. Another notable group of actions occurs as Lane is preparing cucumber sandwiches for guests. Much is made of these sandwiches and it is very funny as one realizes how important having them on hand for guests was. This pokes fun at the rigidity of social codes of the time.
Respectability and Appearances
When it comes to the issues of respectability, Lady Augusta Bracknell has them all beat.
Marion Adler as Lady Augusta Bracknell – Photo by Avery Brunkus.
Marion Adler does a superb performance as she rants and raves basically giving etiquette lessons along the way. Carolyne Leys plays her daughter, Gwendolen Fairfax, with an appropriate amount of restraint while eyeing Jack Worthington for marriage.
Joyce Meimei Zheng plays the 18 year old Cecily Cardew. Her character is adorable as she writes in her diary. In her mind, she is already engaged to Algernon. He happily finds this out.
Two more characters add to fun of the show. One is the Revd. Canon Chasuble played by in good humorous style by Alvin Keith. Since there is confusion with the name Earnest, the Reverend steps in with offers of christenings. However, the discovery of a suitcase appears to solve many problems. It has been hidden for years and Miss Letitia Prism tells the story of what the bag is about. Celia Schaefer plays Prism who is Cecily’s governess in a most convincing teacher type manner.
In the end, everyone understands what the importance of being Earnest means. And that pleases them greatly!
Go to See The Importance of Being Earnest
This very amusing play runs approximately 2 hours 35 minutes with one 15 minute intermission after Act I and 5 minute pause after Act II.
Tickets and more information are available through the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey website or call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600.
This production runs through June 1, 2025 on the Main Stage, The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue at Lancaster Road in Madison, NJ.
Special Events at the Theater
* Hobnob & Hang is on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. This is a chance to mix and mingle after the show. Snacks and cash bar are available.
* The Wilde Garden Party is on Wednesday, May 28 starting at 6:30 p.m. This is your chance to Go Victorian when you join STNJ on the patio for a festive Wilde-themed pre-show gathering.
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