Theatre Review: The Importance of Being Earnest

PlayMakers Repertory Company struck the proper matches to ignite Oscar Wilde’s wit ablaze in its production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

The jovial acting, which left the audience charmed, was lovely, but the production’s set was beautiful.

Without a sprinkle of dust, the innards of a Victorian townhouse were littered with highbrow detail. A surplus of polished wood, unruffled cushions, caged birds and tasseled carpets produced a burgundy-tinted, exquisite image.

Theatre Review

The Importance of Being Ernest
PlayMakers Repertory Company
Arts verdict: 4 of 5 stars

The opening scene between Jeremy Webb as Jack Worthing, and John Brummer as Algernon, which played out like a tennis match of one-liners, set a hopeful tone for unremitting hilarity.

The two 19th-century yuppies’ delivery of cleverness instantly induced a frenzied shark-like pace and snagged imaginations into their world.

But it was Brummer who controlled Wilde’s fun-loving irony with the most apparent mastery. Ever tethered to cool cynicism, his performance made it easy to imagine that Wilde himself would have admired Brummer’s staged poise.

However, the initial quick pace was not kept throughout the show.

Paul Green Theatre’s thrust stage can make performing a wordy script difficult. Words and punch lines were obscured when actors’ backs were turned to the audience. With much of the movement based on line clarity and point, actors more often walked about the stage than performed large entertaining physical actions.

In times of lull, it was Ray Dooley’s in-drag performance of Lady Bracknell that splashed fresh blood back into the water. Dooley’s big diamonds, voluptuous form, talent and booming voice made for an eye-widening presence.

The show’s heroines performed delicate facade smiles and defiant deviousness with ease.

The highlight of the production came when Gwendolen, played by Julia Coffey, and Cecily, portrayed by Marianne Miller, strolled around the second act’s garden setting.

Consistently smiling and nodding in agreement with one another, the two women interchanged pleasantry upon pleasantry with insult after insult. Superb style, in “

” fashion, allowed the scene to steal the second act.

Older audience members asked “Do you think that is really a man?” and college students yelled “Oh my God!” during chortled outbursts.

All generations should take a little time to go “Bunburying” with PlayMakers’ colorful stage and cast. The show lasts through Sunday.

Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.