Review: Stage West proves that Oscar Wilde’s ‘Earnest’ can serve up ’80s soap opera vibes
Paul J. Taylor as Lady Bracknell in Stage West’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest.’ (Photos by Evan Michael Woods) Within the geometric shapes, disting design lines and striking color scheme of Stage West’s production, a retro throwback transports the audience back to the opulent 1980s, reminiscent of nighttime soap operas like Dynasty, Dallas, and Falcon Crest.
Under the direction of Ashley Puckett Gonzalez, the classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest undergoes a century-long leap into the ’80s.
This unconventional approach gave the theater staple a fresh, fun vibe. Family secrets, haughty elders and scandalous lies from Oscar Wilde fit right into those vibes and made the show delightful and dishy.
The show was mostly led by Micah JL Brooks and Lee George as Jack and Algernon respectively. The two characters take on the moniker of Earnest only to find themselves in misleading relationships with Gwendolen and Cecily played by Amber Marie Flores and Cheyenne Haynes.
