The Importance of Being Earnest at Atlas Performing Arts Center

MD Theatre Guide - Somewhat Recommended

"...I stress the performers and design here because although they are all worth the ticket, unfortunately the production concept is less effective. Given McNamara’s gifts as a director it is surprising to see such a brisk, witty script given the slow, Symbolist treatment. The pace that worked so famously for Wilde’s Salome (produced so brilliantly two years ago) tends to weigh down the business here. Slowing down the pace for extra sight gags and poses tends to kill the laughter—which is a shame because with Earnest, Wilde’s humor thrives on rapid-paced, straight-faced delivery. The mugging is unnecessary, and although there’s always room for physical comedy there’s little need to stop the play in its tracks for it."