Review: “The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+ at Actors Temple Theatre

Featured: Lauren E King, Michael Morley, J. Mahal, Kenon Veno, Clint Blakely, Preston Fox, Lyman Heung, Marie Anello. Photo by Tyler Sear

“The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+” is an adaptation of the Oscar Wilde Play “The Importance of Being Earnest” and brings a delightfully charming new take on the piece. The story stayed pretty true to the text, only changing words here and there to accommodate for the different setting of New York. The only change being that every relationship was changed from a straight relationship to a gay relationship and delightful transitions, dance sequences, and tableaus were added throughout. These added a sort of electrifying energy to the performance and made it stand out among other adaptations.

The actors dealt with the heightened language seamlessly. There was none of the typical bumps and stumbles that often come with language that is different than our own. The humor bounced from performer to performer quickly and sharply. Not one person dragged another down. Everyone was on top of their game from start to finish.

The stand-out performances were Clint Blakely as Algy and Kenon Veno as Gwen.  Blakely stole every scene he was in with the bravado of every bro best friend and hitting every humorous moment right on target. When he stepped off stage I found myself longing for him to return. Likewise, Veno stole the show with his incredible confidence in every scene. Both felt like two sides of the same coin, being big sources of comedic relief with large egos and every moment with them was a delight. Though truly it must be said, the whole cast was fantastic from beginning to end.

A shout-out must be given to the lighting by Maarten Cornelis Upon entering the small theater, I expected a simple lighting display that would certainly serve the story but not stand out too much. However, right from the start, the lighting coupled with the projections erupt in colors and patterns that immediately set this production of “Earnest apart from others.

The only problem that I had with the production was the unclear time and place. Based on the program and the references to modern pop culture and New York geography, it seems that the show has swapped from taking place in England to modern-day New York. However, there is very little else to indicate that we are in a new time period. The clothes, while not period per se, still give off a period feel, and aside from the references to the city, there are very few opportunities taken to take full advantage of being in New York and all the little nuances that come with that. The intent could have been to exist in a kind of in-between space between the original setting of the play and modern New York, however, this was not committed to either. While it did not detract from the play itself, I would have liked to have seen more of a commitment one way or the other.

“The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+” is a delightfully imaginative adaptation that demonstrates a clear understanding of Wilde’s text while also making it fresh for the modern audience. The additional transitions and lighting choices are a joy to watch and besides a slightly unclear time period, this is a show that I think anyone could thoroughly enjoy.

“The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+” was adapted from the Oscar Wilde play “The Importance of Being Earnest” and is being presented at The Actors Temple, 339 West 47th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues).

Directed by Maarten Cornelis

It features Preston Fox, Clint Blakely, Kenon Veno, Michael Morley, Denise Turkan, Lauren E King, Marie Anello, Alison Wien, J. Mahal, Lyman Heung, Matt Merritt, Carmen Nikae, and Ryan Knight

Lighting designer:  Maarten Cornelis

Associate Lighting designer: Izzie Cava

Costume designer: Amanda Scanze

Associate Costume designer: Hannah Bernstein

Set and graphic designer: Martina Duque

Props: Jennifer Steward

Stage Manager: Lillian Lippold

For more information visit actorstempletheatre.com or writeactrep.org