'The Importance of Being Earnest' proves to be an excellent production

One can easily be put off by British humor. Too often it is a bit weird. After all, the Brits like Monty Python.

In this instance, even as confusion abounds on stage at The Old Globe's current offering "The Importance of Being Earnest" (directed by Maria Aitken), we are treated to the literary brilliance of Oscar Wilde's final work.

Under Aitken's clever direction we get to witness a very fine performance throughout. The British accent was so clear one never lost a moment of the dialogue thanks to voice coach David Huber allowing all of Wilde's clever punchlines to be understood while delivered with impeccable timing.

The outlandish doublespeak and innuendo is not wasted on the audience either. Aitken, by the way, has taught courses in "high comedy" which this certainly is of the first order. Hear! Hear!

Lady Bracknell (Helen Carey) is first and foremost the quintessential driving force. While interviewing Ernest/John as her future son-in-law, Lady Bracknell discovers Worthing is a foundling. Lady Bracknell admits that losing one parent to be inconvenient but "losing both parents seems a bit careless". And that is as it turns out to be, just one of her many perfectly delivered opinions.

Gwendolen Fairfax (Kate Abbruzzese) is the spirited and beautiful (intended) fianceé of Worthing. While he may bumble a bit through his proposal, she breezes right back with her spontaneous acceptance wrapped in wit with aplomb.

Our hero, John Worthing (Matt Schwader) - also known as his own-pretend-brother Ernest when in town and as himself, Jack when in the country - is played spot on. It is delicious to watch Worthing squirm his way around the truth.

Nephew of Lady Bracknell and cousin to the fair Gwendolen, cucumber-sandwich eating Algernon Moncrieff (Christian Conn) is clearly happy in his bachelor state posing as a self-centered rake and Worthing's best friend. Conn plays close to the chest as he skewers his barbs with precision.

Meanwhile when Worthing leaves town, Moncrieff becomes increasingly bored and decides a trip to the country to be just the thing. And just perhaps while imposing himself upon Worthing's hospitality he might also get a peek at his ward Cecily Cardew - just for the sake of his curiosity.

Since no one has ever met Ernest, because he is only in Worthing's imagination, Moncrieff decides that he will gain entrance to the household by introducing himself as the long-lost-brother Ernest Worthing. And the perfect way to be a guest in his friend's absence. After all what could it hurt.

What the notorious rake did not expect was to be stricken with love at first sight when he met the lovely and guileful Miss Cecily (Helen Cespedes). She wins everyone's heart with her many diary entrees. Cespedes is wonderful. She embodies a quirky country miss void of pretense.

The supporting roles of glib butler Moulton (Daniel Harray), gardener/footman (Sam Avishay), chaperone/companion Miss Prism (Jane Ridley) and the steadfast vicar The Rev. Canon Chasuble (Rodney Gardiner) complete the outstanding cast of characters. These four gracefully move the plot forward.

Rarely does one come across a set design so deserving of praise as this one. The clever Hugh Landwehr sashays through the scenes seamlessly with his perfect and often complex set designs.

The sets are enhanced by Philip Rosenberg's intricate lighting design coupled with sound design by Fitz Patton who is also responsible for all of the original music, the audience is treated to a cacophony of sensual delights.

Fabio Toblini is a master at costume design and his flawless wardrobe selections for each character were pure perfection.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" will play at The Old Globe until Sunday, March 4. There are multiple opportunities to see this wonderful production each week. You will be so glad you did. I rate this production 9.25 out of 10. Excellent.

Parking is free in Balboa Park although the hiccup is finding it. Allow yourself 30 minutes extra or get advance reservations for valet parking for only $14. Check with the box office at (619) 234-5623 on how to secure valet parking. More information can be found at http://www.TheOldGlobe.org.