A Man of No Importance

My overall impression

This was a very tightly directed and acted show and the entire company should be proud of this first production. I only wish the musical itself was more compelling. I am not exaggerating when I say that nothing in the way of character/plot advancement happens in the first hour. You get a lot of pretty Oscar Wilde quotes and whispy songs expressing sentiments about the love of performing theatre or reading poetry but there is zero conflict (or meat) until 60 minutes into this 150 minute show, and even then it’s only a hint that something COULD happen. Bad newa: not much does. For me, the show plays out with far too slight a culmination for such a heavy time investment.

The band was excellent and the tech elements immaculate (I even noted the keyboardest pouring a pint of Guinness before the start of their 2pm matinee – way to go guys;). I loved the Irish music moments but in many ways that music style isn’t as prevalent as say the Carribean style is in Once On This Island (same composer) I craved less conventional musical music and more Irish release. There are a couple songs that moved me deeply but I couldnt lose myself in most of the music. In the end the story felt wishy washy and I don’t think any ot the characters ever came to a conclusion that I could believe.

But I would like to reiterate that these performers were top notch as was everything else about this production. The direction was solid, and I recommend this to any Oscar Wilde fan.