The Importance of Being Earnest 

Reviewed by Julia Stier 
The Dean Productions Theatre Company 
Through April 28 

A Shakespearean character famously asked, “What’s in a name?” — but it was Oscar Wilde who explored its significance in The Importance of Being Earnest, which dives into the absurdities of love and marriage and how the right appellation can win you both. Under the direction of Rebecca Lynne, this Dean Productions Theatre Company production brings a night of free, frivolous fun to Brand Park.

In this comedic classic, Jack Worthing (Henry Carbeck) — who goes by the name of Ernest in town and Jack in the country — is determined to marry Gwendolen Fairfax (Mieko Beyer). Unfortunately, certain details from Jack’s infanthood prevent Gwendolen’s mother, Lady Bracknell (Mannette Antill), from giving her consent. Meanwhile, Jack’s friend Algernon (Kenyon Meleney) poses as his imaginary brother in order to court his “excessively pretty” ward Cecily Cardew (Caitlin Stoodley). Both Jack and Algernon woo their ladies under the false pretense of being named Ernest — a detail of the utmost importance to each lady. Hilarity ensues as the men’s lies unravel.

Pascal Gercourt’s timing —he plays the Narrator, Lane, Merriman, Chausible, and even a table at one point — is controlled and on point. He takes deliberate time and space to deliver his lines, thus elevating the comedy, and makes the most of his minor character roles. His almost continual presence makes him witness the follies of all the young lovers. Meleney’ playful rendering of Algernon is devilish yet adorable, and he is perfectly paired with Stoodley’s Cecily, whose wide eyes, even wider smile, and Wendy Darling voice brightens up the stage with her unbridled enthusiasm. Carbeck is the image of respectability as Jack Worthing, and although his companion, Beyer, is elegant and playful, she and Antill as the strict Lady Bracknell share an overly chirpy quality to their voices. Rounding out the ensemble is Kelly McCall as Miss Prism, whose girlish, flirtatious side at times delightfully breaks through her stern exterior.

The spare set (Caitlin McCarthy) — which consisted of little more than a couple of chairs, a couch and some pop-up platforms — allows for an uncluttered stage and focuses the audience’s attention on the acting and storyline, with Joshua Winkler’s lighting successfully combatting the darkness of night by illuminating the outdoor proscenium. The women’s costumes (Melissa Wilson) are a vital element in this production, as they are the only visual indicators that it’s set in the 1920s.

Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of this production is watching the actors have a ball onstage. They relish the comedy, and have fun breaking through the fourth wall to meander through the crowd, stealing bits of food off of picnic blankets to use as “teacakes” and other props.

Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain Ave., Glendale; Wed.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; through April 28. Deanproductionstheatre.com. Running time: approximately two hours with a 10-minute intermission.