DCist - Recommended
"...This is a pretty show, but one that makes you question (and laugh at) the true nature of that prettiness even as you soak it in. Oh, and have I mentioned that the play's plot, tackling a political scandal inside-out, is startlingly relevant? It's a production well-suited to our times, and perfectly suited to this company."
Examiner - Highly Recommended
"...
The strongest draw of the play, Wilde’s words, are occasionally and ironically a drawback. He’s arguably the most quotable writer, but aphorisms upon aphorisms can seem more like quotes than dialogue."
MetroWeekly - Recommended
"...Clever, cynical, and unrelenting, An Ideal husband is as relevant today as it was when Wilde was at his fur bed-decked dandiest."
WeLoveDC - Somewhat Recommended
"... in the end it never quite comes together into a single piece. The play’s massive exposition dumps don’t do anyone any favors, if you’ll forgive me a moment of heresy against Mr Wilde, but what is provided are a number of points of contrast and counterpoint that the show never uses to its advantage. Lord Goring is a gadabout playboy who rarely utters a serious word or takes a firm stance on anything. Yet he shows himself to possess the casual integrity that Sir Robert wears on his sleeve but lacks beneath the surface. Goring’s eventual pairing with Mabel, who similarly is exactly who she seems to be, should work as the opposite number of the Chilterns and their marriage filled with mystery. But they feel more like things that happen in proximity to each other than as part of a whole."
Washington City Paper - Somewhat Recommended
"...Well, it’s a comedy, so by definition it all ends more or less well—which doesn’t stop Baxter from staging a final-curtain tableau that hints, as subtly as a campaign-season attack ad, at darker lessons about power and compromise. It’s a bit ripe, if forgivable; the Act 1 sluggishness is less so, if only because it leaves so many opportunities to count the number of accents being attempted, and to note how halfheartedly on some accounts. (Company veteran David Sabin seemed particularly undisciplined on press night, though at broad bullish comedy he’s as adept as ever.)"
BrightestYoungThings - Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite these misgivings, there is still plenty to admire about the STC’s latest. Simon Higlett’s gorgeous set captures the London’s high society - a dramatic staircase dominates center stage, and the floral arrangements only add to the luxury. The other big set, Albert’s apartment, is less stunning but ably captures the scene’s famed misunderstandings. The play culminates with the expected declarations of love, yet Baxter’s tellingly adds a bizarre afterthought, one that suggests Robert has misgivings over his eventual compromise. The implication is that all political leaders, especially those who rely on their high moral character, have moments of doubt. A metaphor for the production itself, the conclusion is so superbly-mounted that it forgets to be funny."
Washington Blade - Recommended
"...Oscar Wilde’s “An Ideal Husband” may not be the gay literary genius’ best work, but where it lacks his usual comic brilliance, it funnily enough exudes D.C. relevancy."
Two Hours Traffic - Somewhat Recommended
"...I support the artistic license of the director, and I believe in making strong choices, though this one seems to go against the very nature of the play (and perhaps that is Baxter’s intention). Wilde was famously a proponent of art as entertainment, art with no further purpose. His plays are devoid of the seriousness and sadness that Wilde encountered in his own life. His characters avoid tragedy merely with a smart turn of verbal phrase. "
DCTheatreScene - Highly Recommended
The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s eye-poppingly opulent, incredibly timely new production of the play began its run this week at the Harman, and it’s a must-see winner for sure.
