BWW Reviews: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST - A Classic at Smithtown PAC

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center is a wonderful replication of the Broadway production. In this hilarious, beautiful classic, 117 years since its first showing, it is enlightening to get a glimpse into another time period.

In this Kenneth Washington directed version, Tom Evans and Jordan Hue lead the cast as John (or Jack or Earnest, whichever you want to call him) and Algernon, respectively. Evans was great as the sly John and Jordan's comedy got roars of laughter. They made a great team, but didn’t seem to have the same chemistry with their ladies, Gwendolen Fairfax (John’s fiance’ portrayed by Maryellen Molfetta) and Cecily Cardew (Algernon’s fiance’ portrayed by Emily Dowdell). A highlight was that absolutely no one broke their traditional English accents. The cast truly absorbed you into the Victorian England era. Rounding out the rest of the top notch cast are Scott Hofer as Lady Bracknell, SueAnne Dennehy as Miss Prism, Doug Vandewinckel as Chasuble, David Houston as Lane, and Eugene Dailey as Merriman.

There are many things going on within this three-act play. Above everything, John and Algernon pretend to be “Earnest” to earn the love of Gwendolen and Cecily as they can only love a man named Earnest. While he’s in the country, he goes by the name of John (or Jack), while pretending that he must worry about his younger brother, Ernest, in London. In the city, however, he assumes the identity of Ernest for Gwendolen. What most comical is that Algernon, unbeknownst to John, shows up to meet Cecily, who is John’s ward, and says that he is Earnest. This after John told everyone that Earnest has died and both Gwendolen and Cecily both insist they are engaged to Earnest.

Everything seemed very relevant to the time including the set. The first act was in Algenons’ home furnished with a huge, comfy couch, grand table, and an adjoining dining nook for entertaining. Next, we're in the gardens of John's estate. Kaitlin Donelon (set designer) primarily had the back of the country house all the way up to the rafters and flowers and several tables filled in the garden. For the third act, everyone moves into the library of John's estate as they are trying to figure out the facade that John and Algernon had caused. Most stunning were the costumes. Set in 1895, the ladies were dressed to the nines and donned glamorous hats. Hats were "the status" back then. Ronald Green also did a fantastic job with the elaborate suits with tails for the guys.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” at Smithtown PAC, running through April 1^st, is a great evening of theatre. This cast has wonderfully intricate material to work with and the production is simply a great classic piece to see.

"The Importance Of Being Earnest" is presented at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center in Smithtown, Long Island through April 1st. Written by Oscar Wilde, Direction by Kenneth Washington, Costume Design by Ronald Green, Lighting Design by Chris Creevy, Sound Design by Bryan Chess, Set Design by Kaitlin Donelon, Set Construction by Avancy, Inc. and Tim David, Stage Manager, Kelly Honig Mucciolo

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