The Importance of Being Oscar

The show has a wonderful message and shows how far we have come as a society to break down the social constructs concerning who and how we love another. Playwright Brandie June has quite the knowledge and love for Wilde, which tremendously shines through. Many of Wilde's most popular quotes find themselves nestled into the dialogue to round out a thought. Or just because. The cast is stellar and I particularly enjoyed Cyanne McClarian's heart-crunching performance. Looking forward to see what this team brings next.... full review

If you like biopics, this is a great one to check out! Very fine acting, directing and writing that brings back one of the literary world's most intriguing personalities and the scandal the defined the latter part of his life. Full of insight and heart, the show is a fascinating look at the effects of our obsessions.... full review

#SkipItLA While I enjoyed Richard Abraham’s portrayal of Oscar Wilde, that wasn’t enough for me to enjoy the show as a whole. The Importance of Being Oscar presents Oscar Wilde post-jail in three vignettes where he meets with a colleague, his estranged wife and his fictional character Dorian Gray. These encounters occur in three different years according to the program. However, the direction doesn’t make this clear, leaving the play to feel as if Wilde has one really long emotionally packed afternoon. There are also no breaks for Wilde or the audience. Bad news and poor tidings pile one on top of the other with nothing lighthearted to break them up for even a moment, leaving a depressive cloud over the whole affair. For the full revi... full review

A delightful tale told in three linked vignettes centering on a bedraggled, post-prison Oscar Wilde. Brandie June captures Wilde brilliantly in the text, without the homages feeling forced or heavy-handed. And the players, particularly Mr. Abraham, roll these quips and quotes off effortlessly and organically. A lovely piece and ripe for a bit more life in the future. ... full review

I really enjoyed this production! I'm not super familiar with Wilde's work, but I love all of his quotations and felt compelled to kiss his grave when I visited Paris. June's script is peppered with Wildeisms, guaranteeing a few good chuckles. The actors show us three aspects of Wilde. Abraham gives a standout performance in this well-directed piece that presents with the human side of a legend. The free absinthe at the start of the show didn't hurt, either!... full review

"Aren't you Dreary!" says Dorian Gray to his literary creator in the last of three 15-minute scenes that visit Oscar Wilde in Exile---and he's right! Lots of Wilde's witty epigrams, out of context, which draw laughs, out of context, can't save this sad scenario----and lifeless, paceless direction is no help! Four well-chosen actors try their best: Richard Lucas plays "Frank Harris" (never adequately identified), and is suitably stalwart; "Mrs Wilde" is plumply maternal; and "Oscar" himself, Richard Abraham, is a convincing ruin. Just when he's needed most, Patrick Censoplano as "Dorian Gray" slithers down the stairs equipped with genuine movie star elan to be as tempting to Oscar as the Serpent was to Eve. Forewarned: if you don't know... full review

Nice use of stage, good costuming... full review

Superb Acting, Writing, and Directing.... full review

I really liked this Fringe show. I wish it had been longer and with a more elaborate set. They only touch on the fascinating story of the great Oscar Wilde. This show could certainly be extended into a 90 minute biography of the flamboyant gentleman who was Oscar. I felt like I was teased and then let go too soon. All of the writing was top notch and the acting was fabulous as well. All involved should be very proud!! I just wanted MORE, MORE, MORE!!! This is one of those shows that could be put at the Mark Taper Theatre if it was expanded. I simply adore this era and subject matter of the struggling bohemian writer/artist with a tortured soul. It doesn't get any better than that!! ... full review

Brandie June, the playwright, weaves a rich portrayal of Oscar Wilde in the last few years of his life, after his release from prison. The issues and choices explored are relevant today, as are the consequences and impact of those decisions. It has been an utter joy to witness the evolutionary expansion of this play. From the earliest presentation with Oscar and Dorian’s intense and witty conversation, to this current one-hour version with the inclusion of Constance, Oscar’s estranged wife, and Frank Harris, a dear friend. Now, without doubt, The Importance of Being Oscar, begs to be developed into a full-length play. ... full review