More Love For Ernest

Musical Interpretation Of Oscar Wilde's Classic "The Importance of Being Earnest," Extended Through Valentine's Day At The Irish Rep

By John Mooney

The Irish Repertory Theater's ERNEST IN LOVE, a 2 hour and 15 minute musical version of Oscar Wilde's classic "The Importance of Being Earnest," offers the Irish playwright's witticisms along with catchy tunes by Anne Croswell (lyrics) and Lee Pockriss (music) first penned in 1960.

Noah Racey stars Jack Worthing, an upper crust pretender, who has invented a fake brother, Ernest, as an excuse to leave his country house and escape to London to court the wealthy Gwendolen Fairfax (Annika Boras). Jack's cunning friend, Algernon, (Ian Holcomb) decides to assume the identity of Ernest and travel to the country house to woo Jack's pretty young ward, Cecily Cardew (Katie Fabel). Romance and confusion follow, with Gwendolen's domineering mother, Lady Bracknell, threatening rain on the love parade. The show concludes with the revelation of Jack/Ernest's true identity and a hint of happily-ever-after with a twist.

Racey evokes Gene Kelly with a nimble song-and-dance routine to start the show with "How Do You Find The Words?" Boras and Alice (Kerry Conte) extol the virtues of proper head attire in "The Hat." Algy and Jack deliver clever phrases with "Mr. Bunbury," a song about Algy's own fictitious creation, an ailing older gentleman. The showstopper of the evening is, undoubtedly, "A Handbag Is Not a Proper Mother," sung by Jack and Lady Bracknell (played by a perfectly pompous Beth Fowler). "My First Impression," a repartee between Gwendolen and Cicely, is also a standout.

Other numbers, including "You Can't Make Love" are well done, but don't move the story along much. Also budding romances between servants Lane (Brad Bradley) and Effie (Kerry Conte) and Cecily's governess Miss Prism (Kristin Griffith), and Dr. Chasuble (Peter Maloney) hardly seem plausible.

Racey, as Worthing, and Fowler, as Lady Bracknell, shine throughout the production. Ian Holcomb is delightfully deceitful as Algy, but the character's flamboyant clothes and effete mannerisms require suspension of belief that he would travel to the country to seduce an 18-year-old girl. Annika Boras captures Victorian stuffiness, but doesn't always seem smitten with Jack. Katie Fabel unleashes great vocal range and youthful naughtiness as Cecily. Veteran Peter Maloney is a believable clergyman.

Charlotte Moore directs the cast in Victorian propriety. Mark Hartman conducts and plays keyboard along with Karen Lindquist on the harp, Melanie Mason on the cello and Vonnie Quinn on the violin.

Barry McNabb handles the choreography, which is well done, considering the physical confines of the Irish Rep stage. James Morgan created a sparse, but effective, set design, while Linda Fisher's costumes transport the cast back to the Victorian Era. In all, it's an evening of fun and frolic.

ERNEST IN LOVE has been extended through Sunday, February 14th at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street): Wed-Sat at 8 p.m.; matinees on Wed, Sat and Sun 3 p.m. Tickets are $65 and $55, 212-727-2737. Tickets $65 and $55. For more info, visit www.irishrep.org