REVIEW: Prairie -Ground's "The Importance of Being Earnest" is Nicely Presented

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a perennial classic. Very perennial it seems. I have seen it numerous times and recently as presented by Vancouver's Magenta Theater. It opened, once again, Thursday night at Prairie High School and I was there. 

As stated earlier: "I love the patter play and can't get enough of it. I also recently reread the work. It's fascinating. Wilde is one of my favorite writers. His work is full of double meaning and playful patter. It's also rich on social commentary. Just too much fun.

"The plot isn't essential; the play is about the dialogue [and commentary]. However, like many Shakespearean works, it is about mistaken identities. It's a humorous romp through London’s high society. Part satire, part comedy of manners, this is Wilde's most enduring and popular play [also his last].

"The consummate darling of London society, Wilde provides an inside look at the Victorian self-righteous moralism and hypocrisy. I won't tell you more because I want you to be pleasantly surprised."

Ironically Wilde, the once "darling of London," while Earnest was still on stage, was ostracized and imprisoned for his gay lifestyle. Sadly, a blow from which he never recovered.

Earnestly Enjoyable

Cast of "The Importance of Being Earnest" showing actual set and costumes.

The Prairie High School production was good. I think the work is a challenge because of the need to understand so much socially, historically and linguistically about the English. Thus, probably not the easiest material for high school students. I think the acting was fine, but I also felt that overall the production lacked punch. The pace was slow for the work (especially the second act "cat fight" where the subtle, verbal jabs from the pair of quick-witted "ladies" should have been flying).

Austin Foley chokes down
a muffin as Jack Worthing.

The principles: Austin Foley (Jack), Keiko Inouye (Gwendolen), Ashlee Waldbauer (Lady Bracknell), Casey Wardell (Cecily) and Zachary Ovall (Algernon), each had great moments and all proved to be quality actors.

Foley, with his boyish charm and seasoned acting chops, is a delightful dandy. Inouye is very funny and expressive with her face and eyes.

Wardell is lovely, spirited and, though not as experienced on stage as some of the other cast, held her own and shows great promise.

Ovall moves extremely well and embodies the cocky and confident playboy attitude of Algie quite well.

Ashlee Waldbauer as the
persnickety Lady Bracknell.

And, as always, Waldbauer (playing a role well above her actual age) nearly steals the show. Her talent, honestly, never ceases to amaze me. The cadence of her delivery, her facial expressiveness and the acting in her very voice (tonality) in this role is just above and beyond what you would expect from your average high school student. She is definitely not average and is a true professional.

Emily Anzalone (Miss Prism), Jared Lingle (Lane/Merriman) and Tristan Decker (the Reverend) also do a fine job in the smaller roles and each have their own moment to shine as well.

The lovely Casey Wardell
as Jack's young ward Cecily.

Anzalone is very expressive and emotionally convincing. Lingle plays his two butler roles with distinction and subtle humor. Decker is both comedic and oh, so much better than the last person I saw in the role (which goes to show that an actor can really make or break even a small role); he makes it. Anzalone and Decker are quite funny together as the flirting teacher and preacher pair.

Zack Ovall as the gad-
about playboy Algernon.

British accents among the cast are essentially non-existent. [And you know my feelings about that.]

Notes of Importance

The production was designed and directed by Claire Verity. The three-act play (it runs long) was written before the turn-of-the-20th-century and it's expensive and difficult to accurately stage a period piece like that. Costumes and sets came from a hodgepodge of eras, but a sincere attempt was made. To Verity's credit she kept things as simple as possible with some nice stylized theatrical touches (such as the art deco floor and the tasteful teasers).

Keiko Inouye shows a
comic flair as Gwen.

The lighting was a bit uneven across the stage and dipped at the fringes of the acting areas which were awkwardly "enhanced" with a follow spot (as, uh, needed); not really the best practice. There was a lot of down light, but not enough front light, as eyes were often shadowed.

And those muffins seemed a bit dry (muffling lines) but, generally things looked good and the play was nicely presented. Get your tickets ($10 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students) at: www.seatyourself.biz/prairiehighschool 

Info: Show dates are January 30, 31 and February 1, 6, 7 and 8; doors open at 6:30 p,m., show starts promptly at 7 p.m. BUY TICKETS ONLINE FOR BEST SEATS AND NO WAITING IN LINE.

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler
All photos by Michael Verity.

To read the review of Magenta's production click here.

Prairie Drama Club Presents "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

This play was presented by Magenta Theater in Sept/Oct. 2013.

See the review of that production here. And watch for our review

of the Prairie High School production coming January 31.

New Show Needs Production Sales Manager

Once again Marc Keele and I are attempting to mount the production of our original rock musical THIS CHILD. We have revamped our vision and production budget--trying to bring it in at one third of the original projected cost (now $10,000). We're looking at a late May opening.

We are in desperate need of a third person to join our talented production team before we can go ahead. What we need is a person to fill the role of Production Sales Manager. This key position is essential to the success of the show. They will be responsible for raising the capitol needed for the production.

This is a PAID position, both salaried and commission. The part-time position will be paid at the rate of $800 monthly plus 10% commission of all funds raised. Potential is for up to $5,000 over a two month period.

Qualifications are as follows:

• Friendly, outgoing and persuasive
• Confident and proven
• A Christ follower
• Passionate, positive and energetic
• Great verbal communication skills
• Tireless, relentless and hard-working
• Well-groomed and a snappy dresser
• Able to mix comfortably with the well-to-do business class
• And, of course, able to get others to open their pocket-books

The position is open until filled and the right candidate will start immediately. If this person is not you, maybe you know someone to whom you could pass this posting on to. There is a two week trial period.

Contact: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy Musical Theatre Workshop

Now Enrolling for Broadway Jr. Workshop — A Musical Theatre Adventure for Beginners!

This popular one-day-a-week musical theatre workshop allows beginner students an opportunity to act, sing and dance. Their Broadway Jr. workshop is the perfect place for kids looking to gain experience in performing or just try it out. 

Each session has a different curriculum that builds technical skills and performance experience.

Ages 6-13
January 24-June 6
Fridays 5:30-7:30pm
$50 per month

Kids will sing, act and dance their way through fun Disney numbers in a special review performed in early June 2014. Visit the MPAA website for more information and to register.

"Fiddler on the Roof" at Union High School

The classic--call it traditional if you will--musical FIDDLER on the ROOF will be presented by the Union Theatre Players in Camas (near the east Vancouver border) January 17 and 18.

The story revolves around a traditional Russian-Jewish family during times of change. The patriarch of the family has difficulty with the transitional culture where arranged marriage is no longer in vogue with the younger generations--namely his daughters.

You might remember the songs "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Sunrise Sunset" from the show's iconic numbers. The show is suitable for all ages.

Both shows, at Union High School, 6201 NW Friberg-Strunk St. in Camas, are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and %7 for students, children and seniors. For more information call 360-604-6250, ext. 7466.

Journey Offers a Journey "Under da Sea" in Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr."

The Journey Theater Arts Group Youth Theater Production of THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. runs two weekends – February 21-22 and February 28 - March 2 at the Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium. The production features a large youth cast.

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR., adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

Performances are February 21st - March 2, 2014 at the Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now at JourneyTheater.org or by calling360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $12. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The Saturday, February 22nd 7 p.m. showing is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance. Tickets for all performances will be $3 more at the door.

School Day Performances are scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Journey is the most dynamic theater arts community in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18, and their families, can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA. Contact us at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

Here's What's Coming Soon

AUDITION NOTICE: "When Pigs Fly" with Serendipity Players

Serendipity Players will hold auditions for the musical "When Pigs Fly" by Howard Crabtree, to be directed by Maury Evans, January 12-14. This is a non-paying gig. [I believe this is their first musical!]

When: Sunday, January 12, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Monday, January 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 14, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. CALLBACKS ONLY

Needed: Both Actors and Actresses, plus stagehands.

Where: The Eagles Lodge, 107 E 7th St.,Vancouver, Wash.

What you need for the audition: **1 1/2 minutes of song from a musical (must have sheet music marked for the pianist. NO accompaniment tracks or acapella). **Something loose to wear for dance.

YOU MUST CALL OR EMAIL FOR AN AUDITION TIME SLOT: 503-816-9121 OR email maury97211@yahoo.com

Performance dates: March 28, 29, 30 and April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13.

JOB POSTING: Production Sales Manager

After reassessing the THIS CHILD project we at White Tiger Enterprises, LLC (Little One Music & Theatrical and Balding Eagle Productions) have decided our "failure to launch" was the result of too big a budget and the fact that we didn't have our much needed PRODUCTION SALES MANAGER. 

Now we're looking to revisit the project for a late Spring opening. We are now (again) searching for that very essential front person. The kind of person who can get funding. The kind of person who knows how to ask for it. Could this be YOU? 

Contact us at whitetigerenterprisesllc@gmail.com if interested in this short-term, half-time, paying position (salary plus commission).