Tuesday, October 16, 2012
By STEPHANIE OTTEY
CHAMPION
Like most art forms, live theater is often easier to critique or discuss when it has major flaws, makes a statement, or takes risks. This leaves some very well constructed and smoothly delivered shows to quietly slip by, with little being said about them.
Hopefully, this won’t be the case with Kent State Trumbull’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which is a strong, polished, mainstream production.
Jim Canacci makes smart decisions in directing Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners. He allows the wit of the script to shine, and steers his cast to keep a brisk pace and clear intentions so that “The Importance of Being Earnest” is delightful.
The show centers around an invented character by the name of Ernest and the two men who claim to be him in order to win the affections of two ladies. This is a simple synopsis, for the details of the script are too intricate to be fully captured here. Thankfully, Canacci and his team do so on stage.
We are first introduced to this impeccably cast ensemble through Dylan White as the playboy Algernon. White is lively and buoyant on stage, creating a youthful Algernon that is a joy to watch. He is clearly having fun in the role, showcasing an impressive repertoire of facial expressions, and bringing energy to the part.
Matthew DiBattiste is a charmingly conniving Jack. His ability to deliver every line with the equal integrity makes it nearly impossible to decipher whether Jack is telling the truth or not. The audience, aware of Jack’s story-telling habits, will find DiBattiste’s performance to be exactly what the role needs.
Canacci’s best casting choice is in selecting Terri A. Wilkes to play Lady Bracknell. Wilkes presents herself as being pretentious and all-knowing — the perfect matriarch. How she shares Lady Bracknell’s ridiculous views with a straight face is magical; she commits to the character so fully that it is impossible not to laugh. Wilkes will be remembered for this performance.
Kate Starling and Hannah Gillespie play the two female romantic leads. Starling is an overtly flirtatious Gwendolyn and Gillespie is a goofy and girlish Cecily. The two complement one another and stand out as individuals as well. Starling, who was recently seen in the drama “Buried Child” displays her versatility in this role. Gillespie, who is frequently seen on the Kent-Trumbull stage, delivers her best performance to date, with a Cecily whose bipolarity is infectious.
Susan MonteCalvo is humorously coy as Miss Prism, Tom Schaffer is pleasing as Rev. Chasuble, and Evan Graham and Gabriel Cole add to the show as well.
Again, Kent delivers a stunning set courtesy of Tony E. Kovacic. Surprisingly malleable, Kovacic’s set transforms the little theater, giving it a false proscenium that frames the action within the play beautifully.