The Importance of Being Earnest

The Pearl Theatre Company concludes its 24th season of producing classical material with Oscar Wilde's comedy of manners. As usual with the Pearl, it is a sound production, with great acting, costumes and set. I've seen the last four productions from this season, and I am happy to report that this success is a trend; the Pearl Theatre Company never ceases to delight and entertain. They do comedy exceptionally well, and take Wilde's text to new heights.
Rachel Botchan and Bradford Cover

ALL PHOTOS BY GREGORY COSTANZO

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What's in a name? Some people believe that your name determines your path to success or failure, a jumping off point to your respect or your ridicule. Oscar Wilde believed it too. Or at least, he knew that people put enough faith in the idea to exploit and make fun of it. The Importance of Being Earnest chronicles the story of two best friends, adult orphan John Worthing (a sadly predictable Bradford Cover) and Algernon Moncrieff (Sean McNall), who, at one time or another, both use the name "Ernest" to impress their romantic interests. But, neither of them fully understand the ramifications of taking on this pseudonym in the beginning; they each soon learn the importance of being and remaining "Ernest."

Sean McNall and Ali Ahn

The Pearl Theatre Company is quite adept at delighting the senses. TIOBE opens with a delectable visual spread to sample, from the lush costumes (made possible, in part, through the contributions of Barbara J. Hill and Darlene & Brian Heidtke) by Devon Painter to the beautiful set by Harry Feiner that evokes paradise; illustrations of peacocks against a forest backdrop are part of Moncrieff's flat in London. McNall is a brilliant Algernon, astute, wily, calculating, and a strong presence onstage. He discusses "bunburying" with Worthing, a term that he uses fondly to describe his way of appearing to be responsible in the midst of avoiding responsibility. Little does "Algie" know that, despite Worthing's righteous indignation, he too is a bunburyist. Worthing is Jack at home in the country with his ward, 18-year old heiress Cecily (Ali Ahn), but assumes the name Ernest in London; each name is packaged with a different personality. As Cecily, Ali Ahn is a breath of fresh air with a melodious voice and a youthful exuberance. Not content with his own brand of bunburying, Algie decides to cash in on his friend's by claiming the name Ernest as well to woo Cecily. But all good bunburying must come to an end, and it isn't long before the "Ernest" cover is blown to the sky.

Ali Ahn and Rachel Botchan

The Importance of Being Earnest, performed in three acts here instead of four, is Wilde's way of making fun of the Victorian era. Its main source of humor is characters inventing identities to escape social obligation. The Pearl Theatre Company handles the humor with panache; their version of this social class satire is non-stop entertainment, and a fine display of acting prowess.
In addition to the impressive leads, the production also boasts a memorable supporting cast that includes chameleon Joanne Camp as Cecily's governess, Miss Prism, Dominic Cuskern as Lane and Merriman, Algernon and Jack's butlers, respectively, Carol Schultz as Gwendolen's mother, Lady Bracknell, and TJ Edwards as Miss Prism's love interest, Reverend Canon Chasuble. Under J.R. Sullivan's direction, they are able to showcase Wilde's wit and flair for fancy wordplay. Wilde was possessed with a confidence in his abilities, and this company carries itself with that same assurance. Like all of his comedies, The Importance of Being Earnest deals with double lives, a subject that Wilde knew all too well as a married man carrying on homosexual affairs. But Earnest is different in that it was the first one with a devil may care attitude. Wilde reveled in the sheer fun of having secrets, and the Pearl actors do as well. The cast's ability to have fun and look like they're having fun is what makes this production so scintillating. Prepare to be dazzled.

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Through June 8th. Tickets: $25-50. 212-598-9802. The Pearl Theatre Company, 80 St. Mark's Place at 1st Avenue, East Village, www.pearltheatre.org.