My overall impression
Casey Kringlen & Co.’s Earnest Love letter to Oscar Wilde.
When I heard this production featured young men as the budding English roses whom daring suitors risk all to win, I was intrigued; and, happily, not disappointed.
I’m among many who consider this one of the finest comedies ever written. Its flow of witty remarks and dueling dialogue require meticulous delivery and timing.
This talented ensemble met those challenges with flair, while encompassing the added dimension.
The play opens in the home of Algernon, whose privileged status allows him to fritter away his time, where Eric DeLoretta, as his manservant, Lane, set the pace – whisking about with cheeky insouciance and prescient devotion. Philip Orazio played ‘Algy” with a manic streak and naughty edge. Boone Platt, as his more respectable friend, Ernest, revealed fraying threads in a controlled demeanor with secrets straining at the seams.
I did find the business of their gobbling all the sandwiches in a frenzy to distract from the playwright’s construction of gradually building tension. Their interaction regained its balance once the imperious Aunt Augusta and her pampered SON were on the scene, characteristically calling the shots. The actors in both these roles brought something new: Mason McCulley was a revelation as Gwendolen, object of Ernest‘s affection, languidly posing and delivering pronouncements in soft tones, with captivating expression both dainty and smug. Nancy La Scala’s exquisite features and delicate form are far from the mighty bulwark one expects to hold court as dowager empress, Lady Bracknell. Yet, her focus was firm, voice resonant with her character’s unwavering purpose. Her performance was rooted in the core of this legendary “gorgon”: the real monster is one who dominates and thwarts us, and imposes archaic dictates as to whom we may love.
Other refreshing interpretations awaited in the country: The cheerful drudgery of Merriman the butler was such a contrast from the sophistication of Lane, that I would not have realized they were played by the same actor (Eric DeLoretta) had I not read so in the program.. Grant Jordan personified the most charmingly sly Cecily I’ve ever seen. The way he manipulated his governess had clearly been practice for conquests down the line, as he proceeded to pit his skills against several older not wiser. The scene where scheming Algernon succumbs to Cecily’s guile was a delight.
By choosing to switch Gwendolen and Cecily from young ladies to lads, the Director removed the device (or constraint) of costuming or drag. By the time those two were contesting each other’s claims of engagement in diary entries, gender was incidental.
Lastly, Megan Soule as thwarted romantic Miss Prism and Jeff Elam as devout celibate, Dr. Chasuble were outstanding. Her trial by fiery inquisition of Lady B. was masterful. The range of subtle changes as long repressed emotions came to the fore just in time for their Indian Summer were a delight. Cheers to all, honoring the genius and brave spirit of Oscar Wilde!
