The Importance of Being Earnest

February 7th, 2006
Los Angeles, The Ahmanson
Oscar Wilde Comedy, went with Troy

Wilde is famous for his wit, and this is counted as a favorite for many Wilde fans. It's a scathing comentary on Victorian values, as well as a comedy of errors. If done well, it's very funny and timely.

But this production was a little dry and lifeless. The real treat was seeing Lynn Redgrave as Lady Bracknell ~one of theatre's hotly sought after roles for mature women who know how to command a stage. Lynn took Wilde's love of long descriptive sentences, and made sure the audience not only heard every word, but understood the flow and meaning.

I wish I could say that for the male leads, who tended to throw away a sentence or two. This play needs to have larger-than-life actors. The women in the cast were up to the challenge. Personally, I do however wish Lynn would have been a little bit more larger-than-life and less properly restrained. A broader portrayal is more fun.

For me & B, another rare treat was seeing Miriam Margoyles as Miss Primm. She's a favorite character actress of ours. Love her. :) It gets the extra half star for Lynn and Miriam.

Another fun evening of eating at the outdoor grille under the stars then seeing theatre with top drawer talent in a great venue though. No big complaints.