The Toast of Lincoln

From The Lincoln Journal Star, April 17, 2009

It is no small achievement to capture the wit and rhythm of Oscar Wilde’s theatrical musings.

But that daunting task is most ably achieved in the collaborative production of Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest by the Flatwater Shakespeare Company and the Haymarket Theatre.

. . . an effective, but rather spartan, stage [is] balanced by Jeanne Marlette’s gorgeous costumes . . . this Bob Hall-directed comedy [showcases] the actors’ enthusiasm and perseverance via properly clipped delivery, controlled movements and consistent performances . . .

Rob Burt is pleasing as the young bachelor John Worthing, with Nathan Weiss providing affable support as Algernon.

Especially notable are Maya Naff (Cecily) and the young Petrea Whittier (Gwendolyn), offering responsive and well-developed characterizations.

And Tom Bolin borders on scene stealing with his quaintly droll performances as the manservant Lane and the butler Merriman.

As for Charlotte Akin’s Lady Bracknell, the actress keenly nails the role’s chipping societal snobbery.

At 2 1/2 hours in length, this production of The Importance of Being Earnest is time refreshingly spent.

The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Bob Hall

A Flatwater Shakespeare Company and Haymarket Theatre Co-production

Haymarket Theatre, Eighth and Q streets

Friday, Saturday, April 17-18 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 19 – 2 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, April 23-25 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26 – 2 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, April 30-May 2 – 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $18, $15 senior citizens, $10 students and children; group rates are available.

Call 477-2600 or visit www.haymarkettheatre.org