Mario Cabrera, Clair Gardner, and Michael Weppler Photo by Rhonda Sigler-Ware

The cast of well-known local actors and newcomers to the Albuquerque scene bring this stylized and dialogue witty play delightfully to life. Bailey Hunt and Michael Weppler are clever and befuddled as they play off each other as the would-be "Ernests." Their paramours are equally adroit as played by Nicee Brown and Clair Gardner. The diction and enunciation of these four players is outstanding.

Georgia Athearn is daffy and nimble as Miss Prism; Georgia again proves what a great range she has as an actress. Jerry Hines and Scott Sharot round out the cast with accomplished performances.

Of course, Lady Bracknell is the famous role that has notably been played by Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Brian Bedford, and Ian McKellen, to say nothing of the iconic Edith Evans. The character has an enduring legacy in popular culture. Mario Cabrera's rendition of this role is definitely a contender. His timing is impeccable, his physicality exceptional, his cunning facial asides marvelous. He should also be commended for his restraint. He takes Lady Bracknell just to the brink of believability.

The production design elements are well done on every level. Cabrera also designed the set, which is simple and uncluttered and totally in service of the play. Nina Dorrance has kept the properties and set decorations minimal, in keeping with the set design. The lighting by Lapis Kesselring is also bright and in keeping with the tone of the comedy.

But the costumes by Kim Love are the stars of the show. Ms. Love has designed costumes that elucidate every character. The opulent gowns for Lady Bracknell, the disheveled governess garb for Miss Prism, Algernon Moncrieff's sloppy dressing gown, Cecily's frilly pink dress befitting a young ward, Gwendolen's very perfect blue city gown are all great selections. And each costume is fitted well and in pristine condition. The wigs are also selected and fit well. This is a show that is pleasant to look at.

The original three-act format probably could have been adjusted to two acts and one intermission. But the running time, save the two intermissions, is kept at a good pace by stage manager Cynthia Thompson and assistant Grace Trenkamp.

This is a very enjoyable Christmas gift from The Adobe Theater to the theatre patrons of Albuquerque. Don't miss it!

The Importance of Being Earnest runs through December 21, 2025, at The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm, Saturday matinee December 13 at 2:00 pm, Thursdays, December 11 and 18 at 7:30 pm. General Admission $26.00. Discounted Admission $22.00, Student Admission $17.00. For tickets and information, please visit adobetheater.org.

Directed and Set Design by Mario Cabrera, Lighting Design by Lapis Kesselring, Costume Design by Kim Love, Property Design by Nina Dorrance, Technical Director Riley Lewis, Stage Manager Cynthia Thompson.

The Cast: Bailey Hunt, Jerry Hines, Michael Weppler, Mario Cabrera, Clair Gardner, Georgia Athern, Nicee Brown, and Scott Sharot.