Tell us what you think of
The Importance of Being Earnest!

44 Comments

I really enjoyed watchng "The Importance of Being Honest" at Centerstage. At first I didn't think I would like it, but witnessing it changed my thinking abouth the play. Everything from the actors to the lighting and music brought it all together. I have never been to Centerstage before and I must say it won't be my last. Devin S. University of Baltimore -Experience of Literature Rating - 4 | Dec 12 2009 12:05AM

I really enjoyed watching the Production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Center Stage. This was my first time being exposed to Oscar Wilde and one of his plays. Center Stage did a great job on the production. What I really liked was that no matter where you were sitting in the theater you got a great view of the stage and everything that was happening. There was no obstruction of view from any seat. The performers were enjoyable to watch. They did a great job in bringing out the characters from 1800 England. Laurence O'Dywer was excellent as Lady Bracknell. I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to see the production again before it ended. John Plaster-University of Baltimore-Eng 200-Professor Johnny Turtle Rating - 5 | Nov 28 2009 2:29PM

I enjoyed the presentation of the show. It was very accurate as well as a very descriptive presentation of the play. I loved the stage production, and how it transformed our imaginations into reality..BRAVO---Femi..University of Baltimore English 200 class Prof.Turtle's class Rating - 0 | Nov 10 2009 1:14PM

I enjoyed the presentation of the show. It was very accurate as well as a very descriptive presentation of the play. I loved the stage production, and how it transformed our imaginations into reality..BRAVO Rating - 4 | Nov 10 2009 1:05PM

Nice and Very Good Rating - 4 | Nov 2 2009 4:41PM

Good One Rating - 3 | Nov 2 2009 4:38PM

Rating - 0 | Nov 2 2009 4:23PM

I have seen several productions of EARNEST in the past and it always felt like a play best enjoyed in the reading...that it was perhaps too old and fusty to play well in performance. CENTERSTAGE's production was a pleasant surprise in that it actually blew the dust off a creaky play--though one, of course, filled with a surfeit of brain-tickling bon mots--and made it fun to watch! And I never thought I'd say this, but Larry O'Dwyer was a funnier Lady Bracknell than Patricia Routledge (aka Hyacinth Bucket herself!). Rating - 0 | Nov 2 2009 11:40AM

I just wanted to tell you how much my students enjoyed the play. In class yesterday and today, we talked and laughed and talked and laughed some more--we practically relived the experience! They really loved it--so much so that they're asking if we can go again. I told them I would certainly consider it, and would wait and see what is being offered in the spring. Any chance you'll be doing Shakespeare?! This is why I keep doing field trips--I just can't begin to explain the benefits an experience like this gives the kids. Most of my students had never been to a professionally produced play. I was very proud of their behavior, but beyond that, I was just so pleased that it was such a positive experience for them. I have no doubt that a lot of them will incorporate play-going into their social lives now--now that they see how wonderful it can be! Thank you so much for providing these opportunities for students. I hope you know what a profound impact you are having on their lives and on the appreciation and preservation of the arts. Sincerely, Brenda Rating - 0 | Nov 2 2009 10:27AM

I must agree with the one negative reviewer's comments. Wilde's wit is in the words. I found the staging distracting. While CS commonly tries to set plays in a more contemporary setting, in this case it doesn't work. The costuming was distracting with who knows what period the players were in. I liked Mr. O'Dwyer, because he seemed to be the only actor with any sense of the Wilde timing. However, I am not sure why he was casted in this play as Lady Bracknell. The other actors delivered their lines, but without an understanding of British humor and the associated timing. I think the Artist Director needs to better consider the plays that are produced out of their original period, for many of the plays at CS do not come across well in my mind when the dialog and the settings do not match. It is more distracting than creative. Rating - 2 | Oct 31 2009 10:39PM

It was super!!!! Rating - 5 | Oct 30 2009 3:44PM

Unlike the majority of the reviews presented here, I was unimpressed with the production. As a long time subscirber it was obvious that this was an economy production. With the exception of Cecily all of the actors appeared to me to be the second string. Also, while many folks love Mr. O'Dwyer, his acting is so predictable to those of us who have seen him so frequently that I no longer find him entertaining, just borish. The production dragged in places and there was little if any chemistry among those "in love" resulting in the couples seeming forced together, not smitten. The highlight to me was the creative yet contemporary costuming. I only hope the next production gets more attention. Rating - | Oct 26 2009 9:01PM

The show was great! Very, very funny. "The Producers" is the funniest show I've ever seen but this was close. The cast was perfect and the directing was outstanding. All in all, a very enjoyable show. Rating - | Oct 26 2009 5:16PM

The importance of Being Earnest was a great play that incorporated humor and drama all in one. I also loved every one of the characters. I was fortunate that I had the opportunity to see this play with my English Literature class and I would just like to say Thank you to my professor, Johnny Turtle for that opportunity. Michelle Renner-Lewis Rating - | Oct 26 2009 1:13PM

Center Stage's production of The Importance of Being Earnest was really enjoyable, from the set design, to the choice in actors, I enjoyed the play from begining to end. Jeremey C. UB Rating - | Oct 26 2009 11:27AM

Opening night. One of the best shows i've seen at Center Stage. A compliment to Wilde. ~Chet Rating - | Oct 23 2009 4:04PM

The Importance of being Earnest was a wonderful well thought out play, that captured the audience from the very begining with continuous laughter, the stage set up was spectular by using Earnest letters on the stage then changing the format to cooridnate with the setting. Jasmine Floyd ENGL 200 Rating - | Oct 22 2009 6:10PM

We saw Earnest opening weekend. I enjoyed the show. Candice Donnelly's costumes were very creative - modern yet still giving a nod to the period of the play. The actors were wonderful - all well trained and giving 110% as is the usual with Centerstage productions. I would especially like to mention Like Robertson and Nicole Lowrance. However, as a subscriber, one of the things I always enjoy about Centerstage is the quality of the design and I am not a fan of Riccardo Hernandez' set. It was very similar to his set for The Matchmaker. I was not fond of it for Matchmaker and liked it even less for Earnest. I recently read that Mr. Hernandez was asked to create a single set that can be used for every production this season. While that is a tall order, I think that both the audience and Centerstage have been shortchanged if we are to see this set all year. I do understand that the economy likely lead to the decision to do this and that Mr. Riccardo's preference for minimalism may have made him seem a likely choice for a scaled down design. Unfortunately, I have seen better approaches that could be adapted to a variety of scripts. Well known set designers, local set designers and recent graduates of design schools might all be within reach of Centerstage's budget in ths economy. I believe that the chosen scripts deserve a more thoughtful set and subscribers deserve more from Centerstage. Rating - | Oct 21 2009 3:10PM

Upon finding myself this past Friday travelling on the occasion of my 155th birthday (I know, to count looks so calculating, but the world does insist on correctness at present), imagine my utter delight when I learned that a theatre in Baltimore—oh, scintillating New World metropolis—would be presenting that delicious dramatic construct, that scrumptious theatrical je ne sais quoi, that accidental swan-song, The Importance of Being Earnest. As I am rather close to the author—having known him all my comparatively brief life—I thought I might do worse than drop by. <a href="/LinkClick.aspx?link=457&tabid=342"> Read Oscar's full review >></a> Rating - 4 | Oct 21 2009 2:55PM

I loved Earnest!!!!!!!! My aunt and I laughed all the way through the show. Thanks CenterStage!!!! Rating - | Oct 20 2009 3:44PM

Another wonderful production from Center Stage. What a fabulous way to start our "tapas" season! Imaginative, exhubarent and witty the cast did an amazing job, loved the set and the costumes too. Rating - | Oct 20 2009 2:19PM

Seeing the play, "The Importance of Being Earnest", was my first experience at Center Stage and it definitely won't be my last. "The Importance of Being Earnest", was a thoughtful and witty play that tickled my intellect. Center Stage has hit a homerun with this play. Thank you for the wonderful memories. - Philip Smith (University of Baltimore) Rating - | Oct 19 2009 12:17PM

Loved "Earnest"! Well done, well done! The ensemble was just right; Mr. O'Dwyer a delight. Jim Rating - | Oct 19 2009 10:05AM

Me and my causin went to watch the show, it was just an outstanding show. we both loved it, and hope to see other show like Earnest again. Thank you for the ticket :-) we had a great time. -mamata Neupane Rating - | Oct 19 2009 8:58AM

Me and my causin went to watch the show, it was just an outstanding show. we both loved it, and hope to see other show like Earnest again. Thank you for the ticket :-) Rating - | Oct 19 2009 8:57AM

Last night was truly fabulous!!! You must go hear her (Judy Kaye)! Judy Witt Rating - | Oct 16 2009 4:31PM

when i first heard about the play i didn't think i would like it very much but i was pleasently surprised it was really up beat and it was easy to follow. it was really funny and it had an amazing underlying message.the play was a great experience for me. shanaia lee experience of literature university of baltimore. Rating - | Oct 16 2009 4:13PM

The Importance of Being Earnest is a wonderful production in general, but watching it at the Center Stage gives it an extra element. It is truly awesome!!! Center Stage interpreted this play in a modern way with custom, and stage production…I will not give it away but you have to see the modern touch to this 18 century play. The actors and actresses are none but the best for they truly seem to be in the time period of Oscar Wilde. The terminology takes a second for you to catch on but once you do catch on to the language you will be intrigued, laughing at every scene, and just not wanting the play to end. I would recommend everyone in the area of Center Stage to go and see this play of double life/ living. -Arnetta B. (University of Baltimore) Rating - | Oct 16 2009 2:54PM

I really enjoyed watching "The Importance of Being Earnest!" I knew as soon as Algernon started banging on the piano that this play was going to be hilarious. I was especially laughing really hard at how excellent Lady Bracknell/ Laurence O'Dywer was! All of the actors portrayed their characters extremely well. The set was also very creative! Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend that everyone watch it! Good job everyone! -Elysia from University of Baltimore Rating - | Oct 16 2009 1:28PM

This play was wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The humor was fantastic and the actors were excellence. This was one of the best plays I have seen. Erin from the literature class at University of Baltimore Rating - | Oct 16 2009 12:53AM

It was a real treat. And kudos to the staff who posted all of Wilde's quotables on the walls of the theater. I think it was the first time in our rather long history of theater-going that I have heard such laughter and quoting going back and forth between stalls and sinks among strangers. Margaret Rating - | Oct 15 2009 12:49PM

Wow.... did we just LOVE the play last night! Just superb, and Larry O'Dwyer and Luke Robertson were especially fantastic. We thought it was the perfect opener to the season, and it lifted our spirits considerably. Philippa xxxxx Rating - | Oct 15 2009 12:44PM

Dude: Thanks again for the tickets to “Earnest”. It was fun to see you, eat at Iggy’s, meet many of the Center Stage staff and to see the show. The seats were excellent and the more I thought about it, the more I liked the performance. I think my favorite was O’Dwyer as Lady Bracknell. He was the bomb! Hope you had fun at the party afterward. I’ll bet everyone at Center Stage is moving a little slower this morning. Dad \[to his son, Kevin James, our education department intern\] Rating - | Oct 15 2009 12:21PM

I saw "Earnest" last night and absolutely loved it!!! Witty to the point where I sometimes didn't want to laugh because I'd miss the next line! Timing was excellent, the set was stunning and imaginative, costumes were phenom...I just can't say enough praise! Regards, Mary Rating - | Oct 15 2009 12:16PM

GO SEE IT, DESPITE IT'S FLAWS. You can't "kill" Earnest no matter how hard you try. So although I had problems with some interpretation of character and casting, I laughed out loud all the way through. My 15 year old who has never seen or read it was doubled over with laughter at some points. Loved Algernon and Cecily. Loved the set and costumes. Understand this - I LOVE LARRY O'DWYER. He is fun to watch no matter what the part. But in this case, I was put off by some of his "side" looks that are not in character with Bracknell and I think were just done for laughs. GWENDOLYN - every other production I have seen (5 times) Gwendolyn has had an air of the aristocracy AND you are supposed to be able to see how she will turn into Lady Bracknell later in life ("All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.") and the squeals were jarring and out of character. Chasuble - John Rothman was good - I don't happen to like director's interpretation of Chasuble as a bumblling bumpkin. Prism - again - don't like Irene Lewis' interpretation - Didn't see enough of the flirt with Chausable and something off - too straight laced? Never saw her change into the woman who has been in love with Chausable for years and finally gets to express it. But - a wonderful, fun evening - LOL - Go see it. Rating - | Oct 15 2009 11:40AM

We saw the play last Friday (10/9). What a wonderful surprise to see the set! Fun! The actors were superb and genuinely comfortable with their roles. Laughed and laughed. The season is off to a fabulous start. K Jarmiolowski Rating - 4 | Oct 14 2009 4:35PM

When I walked into the theater on Tuesday evening, the stage setting lit up my face and lifted my mood. If there is some truth that clothes make the man, then a setting does make a play! I could not stop staring, and the play had not even begun! On Tuesday, I had spent the day cleaning out a garage, I was dragging, and had to push myself to get to the theatre. I had such an enjoyable evening and so did my friend. Alice reacted like a child on Christmas morning when Laurence O'Dwyer came on stage! What fun it is to spend a few hours listening to the words of Oscar Wilde and to watch such seasoned performers. We pat ourselves on the back when we can talk on the phone and stir the soup at the same time. How do actors say their lines, stand and move in the right places on stage, gesture, react to other actors, and get it all so right? We are so lucky to have Center Stage! We appreciate and enjoy all that you do! Many many thanks, Zippy Rating - | Oct 14 2009 4:15PM

We loved the show! They were so energized after the performance. I gathered them together the next day to talk about it. We would love to come again! I will be there on the 23rd with my daughter to see it again. Can't wait to see the changes. I have told everyone not to miss the show! Gayle at the Weinberg Center Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity Rating - | Oct 14 2009 4:13PM

Just wanted to say, on behalf of the Baltimore Concert Opera, THANK YOU, and congrats on a great production. We had an absolute ball \[at The Importance of Being Earnest\] and will look forward to working with you! Brendan Rating - | Oct 14 2009 3:12PM

We attended the Importance of Being Ernest last week and it was terrific! My husband cannot normally stay awake beyond 9 p.m. and he made it through the whole performance and enjoyed every minute. I did not have to kick him once for snoring! Linda, Baltimore Rating - | Oct 14 2009 2:26PM

Rating - 5 | Oct 8 2009 7:14PM

The qoutes on the walls helped to get us in the mood for the play. Please reeat for the other playwrites. Rating - | Oct 8 2009 3:56PM

The play is a success. The only question is whether the first night audience will be one.--Oscar Wilde Rating - 5 | Oct 3 2009 7:02PM

...so thick with wit it plays like a reading from Bartlett's Familiar Quotations .--USA English Forum Blog Rating - 5 | Oct 3 2009 7:00PM