Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a hilarious celebration of wit and farce, and a fun way to open the new season. Directed by Sally Boyett, the production shows why Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of fake identities, comic absurdities, and clever one-liners continues to charm audiences.
The Importance of Being Earnest follows two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives to escape social obligations and pursue romance. Jack invents a brother named “Ernest” so he can visit the city and woo Gwendolen Fairfax, while Algernon uses the same alias to court Jack’s ward, Cecily Cardew. When their deceptions are exposed, chaos and witty confusion ensue.
Actor Pierce Bunch brings a mischievous joy to the lead role of Algernon Moncrieff, a young dandy enjoying this deception. He excitedly speaks with Cecily (Tabitha Bradley) under the assumed identity of Ernest. Bunch shines in comedic scenes, where he dictates his love to Cecily and casually eats muffins while tossing off absurd remarks as his plans fall apart.
Joe Staton brings a seriousness to Jack Worthing, Algernon’s friend. He tries to grab the cigarette case Algernon holds, hoping to avoid revealing his own schemes. In love with Algernon’s cousin Gwendolyn (Stephanie Greenwood), he moves as close to her as propriety allows. He politely but firmly objects to the marriage, using the power he has. Staton and Bunch have excellent chemistry, trading insults and protesting at each other’s plans while still remaining friends. Greenwood plays Gwendolyn with quiet determination. She momentarily hangs back to speak with Jack and defends her love for him against opposition, all while delivering comic lines.
Tabitha Bradley plays Cecily, Jack’s ward and Algernon’s love interest, with a seeming innocence. She excitedly relates to Algernon the progress of their courtship and plays up the double entendres of Oscar Wilde’s comedy. She and Greenwood work perfectly together, moving comically from a hesitant friendship to insults and back to sisterhood.
Nancy Krebs commands as Lady Bracknell, Gwendolyn’s mother and Algernon’s aunt. She firmly orders Gwendolyn to their train and questions Jack, remarking on his unusual background. Excited by another marriage prospect, she has the young woman turn around, remarking on her dress and chin. She offers witty observations on society in between her demands.
Kristen Rankin plays Miss Prism, Cecily’s tutor, with a seriousness hiding great passion. She urges Cecily to continue with her studies and engages in deep intellectual conversations with Reverend Chasuble (John Pruessner), dropping double entendre metaphors and scheming to spend time with him. She takes center stage when explaining a secret from her past.
Pruessner brings a gentleness to Reverend Chasuble, trying to give charitable interpretations to seemingly bad news. He eagerly speaks about a sermon he has adapted for multiple occasions.
Brian Davis plays Algernon’s servant Lane with a dry wit as he responds to Algernon’s questions. Dexter Hamlett plays the butler Merriman with a hint of sarcasm, relaying instructions.
Scenic Designer Salydon Boyken creates a late 19th-century living space, with chairs, a sofa, and end tables up front, while two large tables in back contain lamps, books, and other items. For the garden, wrought-iron chairs and tables are brought out, and flowers are placed throughout the stage. Costume Designer Sally Boyett and Wig Designer Tommy Malek evoke the period with long dresses for the women and suits for the men. Algernon is colorful in a bright blue suit, while Lady Bracknell commands attention with a large hat holding many flowers.
Lighting Designer Adam Mendelson helps create a sense of transition between scenes by dimming the lights for each act break. Sound Designer Folger Ridout incorporates various sound effects, including birds singing and Jack rummaging around, as well as music during romantic scenes. Dialect Coach Nancy Krebs ensures the actors’ accents sound authentic while still being understandable. Sally Boyett keeps the energy high with lots of movement, from Algernon and Jack fighting over a plate of muffins to Jack and Gwendolyn tenderly signaling each other. The actors hit all the right comic moments, making for an evening of delightful laughter and a treat for those who know the play and those watching it for the first time.
All in all, the Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a standout accomplishment.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission and one 10-minute intermission.
The Importance of Being Earnest plays through October 19, 2025, at Classic Theatre of Maryland – 1804 West Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($61–$89 ), call the box office at 410-415-3513, email BoxOffice@classictheatremaryland.org, or purchase online.
