Who Among Us is Not Guilty of “Bunburying” Now and Then? The Importance of Being Earnest at Kelsey Theatre

by Mike McKeon

“BUNBURY!!” This is a fun new word I learned this weekend and have been yelling randomly around the house. Honestly, I’ve been repeating it enough that it is starting to drive my fiancé a little crazy. This old, but catchy term is from the 1895 play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.  (No, 1895 is not a typo) I had the privilege of seeing a rendition of this classic play, produced by Shakespeare 70 at Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, directed by John F. Erath and Assistant Director Janet Quartarone. The Importance of Being Earnest is one of Oscar Wilde’s most well-known plays due to its quick dialogue and clever comedic lines.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, as this was my first time seeing this play, and I must say Shakespeare 70 delivered a great production.  

The opening scene introduces us to Lane (Tom Curbishley) and Algernon (Ryan Holcombe) in Algernon’s city home.  Curbishley and Holcombe begin the production with a swift exchange of Algernon making entitled demands about cucumber sandwiches, followed by Lane’s clever insults in a sarcastic tone, resulting in immediate laughter from the audience. Holcombe’s flamboyant energy, matching his costume, demanded the audience's attention. Forcing everyone to be curious about how this story will continue to unfold.  

Soon, we are introduced to Algernon’s friend ‘Earnest’ (Garrett Verdone), trapped in a game of cat and mouse as Algernon questions Earnest about his forgotten cigarette holder from the week earlier. Earnest struggles to conceal his secrets under Algernon’s persistent questioning, and eventually tells the truth, leading the audience to even more questions. Verdone and Holcombe made it clear during this cat-and-mouse game why they were chosen as the lead roles for this production. Not only were they able to maintain great British accents throughout the whole production, but their chemistry together was perfect.  They bump into each other whilst “Bunburying” multiple times during the show, and each interaction is comedic gold from the combination of physical humor and great timing.  

Earnest and Algernon’s conversation is cut short when their expected guests, Algernon’s Aunt Lady Bracknell (Susan Fowler) and her daughter, Gwendolyn (Shannon McGovern), arrive.  As soon as these ladies entered the scene, you could tell Shakespeare 70 took this production seriously. The costumes (designer uncredited) were not only period-appropriate but looked awesome, coupled with the fashionable large hair of the time. McGovern and Fowler did a great job balancing the energy of a love-struck young lady against her materialistic mother, concerned with retaining Nobility. McGovern and Fowler also performed in a great British accent throughout the production, consistent with Holcombe and Verdone.  

There is an important set change going into scene 2 that takes us from the city to the country.  It involves using current pieces of the set design, lighting design and sound design in a new way to portray the new location, but the fun part was the very well-choreographed cast getting those items where they belonged.  They quickly and smoothly intersected paths while moving through the wings of the stage to transform the townhouse living room into an outdoor patio overlooking a large orchard in the country all the while in character. This fun and detailed set change prepares the audience for the next scene exactly as Stage Managers Justine DeNicola and Kelly Weeden, along with Set & Production Designer Dale Simon, Lighting Designer Curt Foxworth and Sound Designer Chris Loos, intended.

Sitting on this patio are Miss Prism (Hester Young) and Cecily (Maggie Gronenthal) discussing “Uncle Jack”, helping the audience to understand some of the mischief Algernon and “Earnest” have already caused.  Cecily and Miss Prism are interrupted by Dr. Chasuble (Michael Gilbert), who whisks Miss Prism away on a walk so Algernon and Cecily can spend more time talking together, ending Act One. Gilbert and Young created excellent flirtatious chemistry on stage together and Gronenthal expertly displayed Cecily's balance of obsession for Algernon and her loveable innocence. There is a second large scene change going into scene 4, just as entertaining as the first.  While the rest of the cast again dance around the stage to move props, Holcolmbe and Verdone pace through the aisles, bickering comically with each other as they do so. 

As Act Two begins, we are greeted by Holcolmbe sitting in the same position on the patio as when Act One ended. This was a great idea from Erath to keep the story flowing without losing your place, as well as giving Holcombe yet another opportunity to showcase his confident energy and physical comedy.  Shortly after, there is a knock at the door, and we are introduced to Mr. Gribsby (Philip Bramson), who causes the truth to unravel even further around our Bunburying companions. As I stated several times above, everyone in the cast maintained great British accents, and the playbill credits this to Producer/Light Designer/Dialect Coach Curt Foxworth. 

However, this does bring me to my single critique of the show. Multiple times during the show as characters come to the door, their entrance is announced by Merriman (Jacs Conforti). During more than one of her announcements, Sound Operators didn’t turn on the microphone, and it was difficult to hear her at first. Thanks to some fast improv by fellow cast members combined with Conforti’s talents, she was able to project her voice and flawlessly continue the scene without most of the audience knowing any different - bravo Jacs Conforti! This was just further proof of the level of commitment to professionalism and authenticity provided by the cast from Shakespeare 70.  

If you, like me, have never seen The Importance of Being Earnest I implore you to go see this hilarious, fun rendition at Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College.  It was highly entertaining and brings the spirit of Oscar Wilde back to life. Maybe it will even enlighten you to do some “Bunburying” for yourself.  Please get your tickets now so you don’t regret it later! The Importance of Being Earnest runs now through June 29th, you can purchase tickets here: https://www.purplepass.com/organizer/66720