Michael Raver and Katy Tang Photo by Carol Rosegg

We are in and about London during the 1890s. James J. Fenton furnishes a handsome set featuring staircases which lead to an upper landing. This is the home of Algernon Moncrieff (Anthony Michael Martinez) and the locale also becomes a a garden as well as drawing room of a manor.

John Worthing, JP (Michael Raver) and also known as Jack, is guardian of lovely, young Cecily Cardew (Kristen Hahn). Yes, there is more to it than that simple fact. Jack has feigned having a brother named Ernest (Raver), whose behavior and antics are a bit unconventional. Only Jack is aware that he is actually Ernest. Algernon knows him as that very man named Ernest. Anyway, Jack and Algernon are the closest of friends. Jack is completely smitten with Gwendolyn Fairfax (Katy Tang), who happens to be Algernon's cousin. Algernon has the notion that Jack is what he calls a bunburyist. The word explicates that he is an individual who fabricates and takes on another identity and, in essence, leads two lives. Jack, confiding in Algernon, informs his friend, that he will do away with the phantom brother. This is all slightly easier (still tricky) to follow should one be fortunate enough to observe on stage rather than read on a page.

Gwendolyn (positive that the man she admires is called Ernest) comes on the scene with her mother, Lady Bracknell (Christine Pedi). Lady Bracknell questions Jack to find out something of his family. She is stunned when he explains that he was adopted and Ernest adds details regarding that episode.

Algernon, meanwhile, is completely in love with Cecily and proposes to her. He is amazed to hear that she thinks that the two of them are already engaged. When she adds that a part of her is intrigued with the name Ernest, Algernon is less than thrilled. This is one of many moments during the proceedings when an individual is either confounded or baffled. Playwright Wilde brings one paradox after another. The author subtitled his script: "a trivial comedy for serious people."

Such characters as Miss Prism (Jan Neuberger), Rev. Canon Chasuble, DD (Triney Sandoval), and Lane (Mark Silence) also contribute to the intricate plotting. The meaning of the importance of being earnest is, for a long while, elusive but there's finally some clarification. The lively WCP production includes two one-hour portions and ultimately yields both revelation and resolution. Theatregoers have options. One may choose to rejoice at the absurdity and comical chaos or delve more deeply.

Thematically, The Importance of Being Earnest explores the quality of relationships. Lady Bracknell has a specific idea of just what makes a good marriage. It is the Victorian epoch in Great Britain. Morality, too, could become an issue, but the cerebral Wilde will not be reverential. He issues, through dialogue, his feelings about the very word, earnest, pivotal to all that transpires.

Director Melissa Rain Anderson, facing the challenging tasks of realizing Wilde's intentions through delivery and movement, is undaunted. Hers is a multi-task effort and she excels. Anderson is smart to push pace while she highlights humorous opportunities. The presentation relies upon detailed timing which the talented actors demonstrate. Performer Michael Raver leads the way as he energizes John Worthing, oftentimes the focal point of the presentation.

The Importance of Being Earnest runs through November 15, 2025, at Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers CT., Westport CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-227-4177 or visit westportplayhouse.org.