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Wilde, witty
‘Earnest’Oscar Wilde would have written great television. The British writer and notorious wit died in 1900, but his most famous work proves he was ahead of his time.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" is a play in which confusion masquerades as plot. "As Oscar Wilde says, it's about absolutely nothing," said Joyce Maltby, who is directing the work at Hawaii Pacific University Theatre.
"I've likened it a little bit to a turn-of-the-century 'Seinfeld,' " said Maltby, explaining a lot of fuss is made about small things and often by shallow people.
The action hinges on confusion over who really is Earnest.
Two dilettante pals, John Worthing and Algernon Moncrief, are the central figures of the play, which ends with a surprise twist in their relationship.
Worthing invites the deception Moncrief perpetrates by leading something of a double life. "My name is Earnest in town and Jack in the country," he quips to Moncrief. Thus ensues a game of musical monikers.
It turns out the name "Earnest" and its implication about character are key to the affections of two young ladies, who come to find neither of their suitors truly live up to its promise.
In the meantime, the audience is entertained by colorful characters and athletic word-play.
"It's probably, if not the most, one of the most popular comedies in the English language since Shakespeare. It's a delightful, very witty show," said Maltby.
Stephanie Kendrick, Star-Bulletin
Earnest entertainment
What: "The Importance of Being Earnest"
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