Antaeus presents “The Importance of Being Earnest”

Although new plays can be exciting and are crucial to the continuing vitality of theatre, I’m especially fond of older works, the more obscure the better. It’s cheap time travel, immersing oneself in a long-past culture, and a reminder that in many ways we’re not that different than those artists in that time. But sometimes you just want to see a cracking production of an acknowledged classic, something that Antaeus Theatre Company is expert at. Its new show, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, is a witty good time, bolstered by some terrific performances.

In 1895 London, Jack (Alex Barlas) is visiting his friend Algernon (Jay Lee) and expresses the desire to propose to Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen (Jules Willcox). During the course of this discussion, it is discovered that each man has created a nonexistent friend or relative to use as an excuse whenever they want to leave town or the country – Ernest for Jack and Bunbury for Algernon. Algernon agrees to help distract his formidable aunt, Lady Bracknell (Anne Gee Byrd), but he also intends to romance Jack’s ward, young Cecily (Alessandra Mañón). There is a further impediment to these possible love stories, however – both of the women involved insist on their future husband being named Ernest.

Barlas is charming as Jack, expertly serving the comedic needs of the play but also bringing real emotion to a character that could just be played for farce. Lee is unfortunately less successful as Algernon, with an unconvincing British accent and a portrayal that doesn’t quite land. Willcox is superb as Gwendolen, dexterous with Wilde’s clever dialogue, and Mañón is similarly excellent – their argument scene concerning who gets to marry “Ernest” is the hilarious highlight of the production. Byrd brings more a realistic take on Lady Bracknell, not so imperious and over the top as is often done, and she makes it work beautifully.

Director Gigi Bermingham gets great work from her cast, and she paces the show with a fleet touch that matches Wilde’s quicksilver wit. Angela Balogh Calin’s sets are appropriately elegant, and Julie Keen’s lush costumes bring the era to vivid life. Everyone knows what a funny play Earnest is (“When you’re engaged, [we’ll] inform you of the fact,” declares Lady Bracknell), but what struck me upon this viewing is how wonderful the structure is, a game of manipulation in which somehow everyone ends up a winner.

This is a delightful production of The Importance of Being Earnest, and I recommend it.

The Importance of Being Earnest is presented by and at Antaeus Theatre Company and plays through November 18. Tickets are available here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35088/production/1160701