The Colonial Players of Annapolis production of An Ideal Husband is a delightful comic start to the season. Oscar Wilde’s classic play of blackmail explores morality, reputation, and compromise, all through brilliantly funny one-liners and comedic misunderstandings. Directed by Greg Jones, it offers plenty of laughs as well as lots to consider afterward.
Michael Dunsworth gives a fierceness to Sir Robert, a leading politician whose past comes back to haunt him. He is outraged at Mrs. Cheveley’s (Aparna Sri) proposition, refusing at first to even consider it. He argues against his wife’s (Christine Kinlock) dismissal of compromise in political matters, and rails at her for putting him on such a high pedestal. He refutes Lord Goring’s (Tristan Poje) idea that his giving in to temptation was “weak,” arguing that it took strength to do so. He captures all the justifications and wavering that his moral dilemma has put him in.
Christine Kinlock plays Sir Robert’s wife, Lady Gertrude, with an uncompromising strength. She harshly judges Mrs. Cheveley, wanting to throw her out of the house. Rebuffing Sir Robert’s pleas for understanding, she stands behind him as he writes a letter trying to end the proposition, and follows him inside after he makes another important decision.
Aparna Sri is deliciously wicked as Mrs. Cheverley, making her threat to Sir Robert in between clever jibes at English society. Reveling in her power over Sir Robert, she briefly lies on the sofa. In Lord Goring’s home, she seductively stands in the doorway, then sits on his lap. In a brief, vulnerable moment, she admits her love to Lord Goring and her hatred of Lady Gertrude.
Tristan Poje plays Lord Goring, Sir Robert’s friend, as a dandy with a strong moral sense. While delivering some of Wilde’s most famous and funniest witticisms, he gives both Sir Robert and Lady Gertrude earnest, heartfelt advice, trying to show them the value of compromise and compassion. Seeing what Sir Robert has done to be terrible, he nevertheless defends him and seeks to protect Lady Gerturde, even when it might hurt him. He is the play’s moral heart.
Sarah Wade brings a charming silliness to Mabel, Sir Robert’s sister. Her back-and-forth with Lord Goring, filled with flirtation and humor, is lovely to watch. She gives a look of disappointment at Lord Goring’s attentions to other women.
Edd Miller is a hoot as Lord Caversham, Lord Goring’s father. Flabbergasted at Lord Goring’s living “solely for pleasure,” he urges his son to marry, as “bachelors can’t be trusted. Too much is known about them.” His insistence on speaking with his son comes at the comically worst time, and he gives some hilarious digs at Lord Goring.
Sue Ann Staake brings an absurdity to Lady Markby, who brings Mrs. Cheveley to social functions. She speaks at length and with great comic timing about her husband’s speaking at home as though he were in Parliament. Vanessa Van Note and Alexis Mete play partygoers Mrs. Marchmont and Lady Basildon with great energy, making humorous observations about marriage and husbands while eagerly walking arm in arm with Lord Goring.
Nick Meyers plays Mason, Sir Robert and Lady Gertrude’s butler, with grace, announcing visitors and giving useful information. Todd Smith has great comic timing as Phipps, Lord Goring’s butler, with a hilariously deadpan response to one of Lord Goring’s observations. He follows Lord Goring around the stage, trying to put a flower in his buttonhole while Lord Goring rattles off his famous one-liners.
Set Designers Dudley Whitney and Edd Miller and Props Designer Carrie Shade create a Victorian setting, with chairs, carpets, writing desks, and side tables coming on and offstage as needed for each act. Projection Designer Dudley Whitney throws up period-appropriate images on the walls, such as paintings and bookcases. Costume Designer Maggie Balacki and Hair and Makeup Designer Jan Blome evoke the era with colorful dresses for the women and coattails, bow ties, and smoking jackets for the men. Mrs. Cheveley stands out in a striking red dress at the start, as well as a green dress toward the end.
Lighting and Sound Designer Dudley Whitney highlights key moments in the story through spotlighting characters and throwing out a distinctive sound. Choreographer Lindsay Zetter gives excitement to the furniture changes with each act, with Phipps directing Lady Basildon and Mrs. Marchmont in moving the furniture. Greg Jones keeps the comedy high through physical gags and comic reactions, while also allowing for vulnerable and emotional moments to show through. The actors hit each perfectly, and Wilde’s language feels natural coming from them. An Ideal Husband wraps complex issues of ethics in charming, hilarious lines. Go see it!
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
An Ideal Husband plays through September 27, 2025, at Colonial Players of Annapolis – 108 East Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($28), call the box office at 410-268-7373 or purchase online.
A virtual playbill is available here.
An Ideal Husband
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Greg Jones
