SNOW Postpones SHOW

UPDATE: ALL THREE REMAINING SHOWS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Prairie High School HAVE BEEN POSTPONED. 

We will announce the new performance dates as soon as we have all of the details.

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.

REVIEW: Magenta's "The Importance of Being Earnest" is Presented in Earnest

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" is perennial classic. A theatrical chestnut as it were. I love the patter play and can't get enough of it. Ironically, I may get my fill this year as it is being performed at two theaters this season. It opened Friday night at Magenta Theater and will be offered later this year by another.

I also recently reread the work. It's fascinating. Wilde is one of 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; they play is about the dialogue. 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.

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.

Presented In Earnest

Samuel Summer as Algernon and Ashley Moore as Cecily.

Once again Magenta presents a delightful show, though not quite up to the usual standards. The direction, by Curtis Hope is good, but adequate blocking was sometimes lacking. (Especially in the last act when the actors stood together for a long time in a U-shape down left--hardly a good viewing angle for half of the theater.)

There was also a distinct dichotomy in the cast. The principles were all quite impressive and carried their British accents well. The bit players not so much.

Aaron Filyaw as John Worthing P.D. was ideal. His performance was certainly in earnest and his boyish charm, keen British accent and comic expression were a joy to experience. Very professional!

Katie Skinner as Gwendolyn Fairfax, Ashley Moore as Cecily Cardew were also standouts. Especially entertaining were Skinner and Moore in their verbal "cat fight." Both have impeccable comic skills, facial expression and body language.

Tammie Neill as Lady Bracknell and Samuel Summer as Algernon Moncrieff gave delightful performances. Also in the cast: Reba Hoffman as Miss Prism, Mike Nettleton as Rev.Cannon Chasuble D.D., Joe Balin as Lane, and John Thompson as Merriman.

My one piece of advice to the leads: Wait for the laughter so lines don't get lost.

The Importance of Detail

The ladies costumes were nicely done. Some of the men's clothing relied upon obvious contemporary, rather than period, constructs. The set dressing, too, lacked period authenticity. So much more could have been done. [You'd think with a royalty-free play more budget could be used for the set.]

Especially nice was the "Impressionist" garden backdrop. And once again the set-changing crew was delightful. The stage actors playing the butlers, along with a few female stagehands dressed as maids, did a bang up job. The lighting was good and, thanks to a smashing running crew, the show went off without a hitch.

If you're not familiar with this work you need to see it. The audience found it a hoot and so did I. Click the above Magenta Theater link for more info and tickets.

By Gregory E. Zschomler
Photo provided.

Watch for Our REVIEW This Sat.; Opens Friday

In Earnest About EARNEST

I tell you what? Let's all do "The Importance of Being Earnest" this season and we'll compare productions. Only a few of you left who need to come on board.

In fact, we can compare our productions to to one another's and all the times we've previously seen the show, too. Can you ever see it enough?

New Pacific Stageworks Presents Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Heathman

Tony Bump has started another local theater company (Pacific Stageworks) and will present Oscar Wilde's classic for three performances the first weekend in July at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, Wash. Tickets are $12. You can purchase tickets online at the Pacific Stageworks website.