The Importance of Laughter

Adam Haas Hunter (Algernon Moncrieff) and Christopher Salazar (John Worthing, J.P.), contemplating the mess they’re in. – Photo courtesy of A Noise Within.

Marisa Duchowny (Cecily Cardew) and Carolyn Ratteray (Gwendolen Fairfax), very displeased. – Photo courtesy of A Noise Within

Oscar Wilde’s “Importance of Being Earnest” brings mistaken identity, gluttony, and hilarity to Pasadena

By Courtney Blackburn

A Noise Within—that eminently reputable repertory theatre at the corner of Sierra Madre Villa and Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena—has done it again. This season’s middle offering (of only three!) is “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and it is a belly-shaking, laugh-out-loud delight. Featuring the droll and incisive wit of Oscar Wilde, noted playwright and Irishman, and the rapid-fire and impeccable performances from A Noise Within’s talented stable of actors, this is a play for both the novice and the erudite.

Most people have heard of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and rightly so. It is the tale of high-society gentleman Jack Worthing, who, in order to cut loose from his upright country-squire role, invests an irresponsible younger brother named Ernest who needs looking after in London. Jack, in the guise of Ernest, befriends Algernon Moncrieff, a dandy young gentleman who approves of the invention of Ernest so much, he takes advantage of being Ernest himself–much to Jack’s dismay. For Jack is trying to woo Algernon’s cousin Gwendolyn, who /adores/ the name Ernest–and won’t marry a man who isn’t one. And Algernon, in the guise of naughty younger brother Ernest, sidles up to Jack’s ward Cecily–who also loves the name of Ernest. In the end, there can only be one Ernest, and tempers are lost, fortunes found, and sisterhood and brotherhood embraced by turns.

Adam Haas Hunter plays the foppish and finger-licking Algernon, whose awkwardly graceful long limbs and attempts to eat everything in sight are pretty much the funniest thing on stage. As an excited fellow theatre-goer said, “Every inch of him was Algernon–he really embodied the role!” This theatre-goer has seen other productions and read the play more than once—she knows what she’s talking about. But Hunter wasn’t the only bright star in the play; Christopher Salazar (Jack Worthington), Carolyn Ratteray (Gwendolyn Fairfax), and Marisa Duchowny (Cecily Cardew) captivated with comedic facial expressions and hilarious delivery of the material that sent gales of laughter through the audience. Jean Gilpin (Algie’s aunt, Lady Bracknell) thrilled and terrified with her rolling aristocratic tones, which made the ridiculous social norms she espoused all the funnier. And the butler to both Algernon and Jack, respectively, actor Apollo Dukakis was solidly delightful. His presence and manner of entering and exiting the room alone produced chuckles. And last but not least, the unlikely romantic couple Miss Prism (Jill Hill) and Reverend Canon Chasulble’s (Alberto Isaac) performances drew giggles and even heart-felt sighs.

Beyond the actors, the stage is set in a lush and open-feeling Edwardian drawing room, which then transitions to an outdoor patio, and ends in a grand study room with twilight outside. The set and production design is lovely, and makes great use of a few large props arranged in different ways each act to produce an entirely new room. Delicate music sprinkles most of the silences, and even the intermission. Wonderful sound design. The costuming is gorgeous, and each couple has a subtle color theme–Algie and Cecily both accented in pink, and Jack and Gwendoly both accented in aqua blue. It was a delightful detail. Very creatively, the ensemble of Kelly Taylor, Isabella Petrini, and Brenda Marie Phillips, all dressed in period maid costumes, perform the scene changes—moving furniture, flipping the large windows and doors, removing tea trays—in plain sight! It’s a wonderful touch to this production and a great marriage of doing the necessary “play” business while still in the spirit of performance.

This wonderful production is full of non-stop laughs and the wit of Oscar Wilde. It is perfect for anyone who wants to be entertained and maybe learn a little about the often silly Victorian social rules. It is perfect for those who want to see a great performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest” done by a talented cast and crew.

Go see “The Importance of Being Earnest” at A Noise Within. Performances are as follows: Saturday, October 4 at 8pm; Sunday, October 5 at 2pm (conversations with cast to follow); Thursday, October 23 at 7:30pm; Sunday, November 2 at 2 and 7pm; Saturday, November 8 at 2 and 8pm; Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm; Friday, November 14 at 8pm (conversations to follow); Friday, November 21 at 8pm (conversations); and closing Saturday, November 22 at 2pm.
Prices: Single tickets from $40; Student rush with I.D. an hour before performance $20.
Groups (10 or more): Adults from $25; Students from $18.
Website: www.anoisewithin.org; phone (626) 356-3100 x 1.

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