The Blue Moon Theatre Makes You Ask, “Is that really Earnest?”

by Michael McKeon

This past Saturday I was able to visit my favorite South Jersey community theater, The Blue Moon Theatre. I love everything about this little theater, including the beautiful scenic drive I get to enjoy on the way there. I had the opportunity to see The Blue Moon Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest directed by Stacey Bachman and Assistant Director Mike Russell.  The Importance of Being Earnest was written by Oscar Wilde in 1894 and debuted in St. James Theatre in London on February 14, 1895. It is a witty satire on Victorian society’s trivial hypocrisy and obsession with social conventions, particularly marriage.

This show was slower than I’ve seen it performed in the past, but it worked well because the speed helped tell the story more clearly.  With that, I would like to start with my only critique. It was during the final act and is pretty straight forward.  Lots of dropped lines.  Had I not seen this show previously and knew the ending, I would have left very confused.  I did hear that some performers had to be called to fill-in last minute, which makes this an understandable lapse in quality.  Luckily, there is time to improve that before the next show.

Once I was seated and waiting for the show to begin, the stage was already lit. The set, constructed by Greg Hammell and Joe Stark, and painted by Cheryl Stark and Caitlin Johnson, was very pink, matching the 1890’s Victorian theme.  There could have been a few more decorations on the walls to represent the wealth the home was supposed to portray.  Otherwise, it created a great space for the actors to move about while in the London townhome or the countryside farm.  In the London townhome we are introduced to Jack (Erik Schembs) and Algernon (Sam Williams) having a dispute over a cigarette case, while Lane (Brady Thompson) dutifully serves them cucumber sandwiches.  This first scene is long, but important to build the story.  Schembs and Williams do a great job of keeping your interest in the story being told by moving around the stage and sarcastically bantering back and forth.

During this same scene we are introduced to Lady Bracknel (Marcia Hepps) and Gwendolyn (Rebecca Olsen). Olsen looked lovely in her dress and her hair and make-up were perfect. Which made sense once I learned Olsen was also the Costume Designer for the show.  The other cast costumes were also period appropriate and helped define the characters better.  Hepps did a great job of maintaining the attitude of a snobby aristocratic socialite in both her spoken language and body language.   Hepps’ facial expressions were timed perfectly for comedic moments, for example, the disgust on her face when she realizes Jack is not fit for Gwendolyn. 

At the beginning of Act 2 we are introduced to Miss Prism (Lori Thompson) giving a German lesson to reluctant Cecily (Cadence Maurer).  Thompson and Maurer had great chemistry.  They were able to make it clear Thompson cared for Maurer but also was not her mother.  Thompson also had great chemistry with Dr. Chausble (Peter McMahon), a very convincing, flirtatious priest.  Thompson was able to shine whenever she was interacting with another character on stage, showing how versatile and talented she is.  In between these characters we meet Merriman (Mike Russell), who portrayed an accurate butler with his consistent demeanor among the chaos.

Later in the show we meet the final character, Grisby, played by Rick Thompson.  Thompson played his role well; however, his role was brief and I feel Thompson’s talents could have been utilized better. After this, Maurer and Olsen have two interactions that really bring the show to life.  First, when they fight over Earnest.  The timing of the back and forth was perfect and highly entertaining.  The second was after fighting, they yelled a line at the same time again perfectly.  Maurer also had great chemistry with Williams as Williams’ character obsessed over hers.  Williams maintained a hilarious physical composure for his sarcastic role, but I wish he had kept more direct eye contact during the more serious portions of the show.

Overall, this was a fun performance of The Importance of Being Earnest with a passionate cast.  Remaining show times are March 20 & 21 at 8 PM and March 22 at 2 PM Grab your tickets and support this amazing local theater The Blue Moon Theatre 13 West Ave Woodstown, NJ. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-importance-of-being-ernest