Globe Openstage’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a delightful blend of classic comedy and modern technology. Performed entirely on Zoom, with each actor appearing in their own “square,” it allows Oscar Wilde’s witty lines to take center stage. Directed by Arielle Seidman-Joria, this free production is great fun.
Megan Fraedrich gives great comedic gusto as Jack, infusing her retorts with an archly knowing tone. She also plays the romance well, declaring her love for Gwendolyn (Sarah Kezman) while mixing it with humor. During the conversation between Algernon (Edward Myers) and Lady Bracknell (Jane Margulies Kalbfeld), she silently flirts with Kezman, seductively raising an eyebrow. In Act Three’s reveal, she falls to the floor in shock, then extends her arms to embrace Miss Prism (Connie Ramsey).
Edward Myers plays Algernon with a dry, deadpan wit. He makes a hilarious pair with Fraedrich, casually tossing insults and absurdities wonderfully back-and-forth. He takes Cecily’s (Hannah Neville) comic revelations in stride, using them to further his courtship with her.
Sarah Kezman mixes romantic sweetness with comic timing as Gwendolyn. Her touching remark to Fraedrich, as hope of their marriage seems impossible, gives a great zinger as she mentions she plans to marry “several times.” She and Neville are wonderful together, quickly turning from best of friends to what one audience member called “delightfully venomous” before uniting against the men.
Hannah Neville balances youthful exuberance with humor as Cecily. Her explanation of having courted Algernon before ever meeting him is hilarious. She is delightful with Kezman as their comic confusion unfolds.
Jane Margulies Kalbfeld is a hoot as Lady Bracknell, swiftly moving from imperial to charming, all the while infusing her lines with comedic timing. She maintains her aristocratic air throughout, whether disdaining Fraedrich for having “lost” both parents or admiring Neville as a potential wife for Myers.
Members of the cast of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest.’ Photo courtesy of Sarah Kezman.
Connie Ramsey as Miss Prism and Nicole Godino as Reverend Chasuble perfectly convey the humor of the distracted intellectual. Ramsey’s dedication to Neville as her student is charming, as Neville shows little interest in her studies. Godino constantly sniffs from a handkerchief, while swiftly covering romantic interest in Ramsey with classical allusions and explanations. Ramsey’s expressions while Kalbfeld interrogates her are hilarious.
Arielle Seidman-Joria does a great job as director. The actors work well together, using tricks to create the illusion of all being in the same space, such as passing muffins and shaking hands. At times the format of watching talking heads can get a little tiring, but the enthusiastic acting and deliciously clever lines work well to combat this feeling. And for audiences not yet comfortable with or able to attend in-person performances, an online production is a wonderful boon, as well as allowing for a larger, more diverse crowd.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
The Importance of Being Earnest streamed from February 24 to 27, 2022, presented by Globe Openstage free on Zoom.
