Discovering Wilde on Stage: My First Theater Experience with The Importance of Being Earnest
Vivian Noble as Cecily Cardew; Bailey Ellis as Algernon Moncrieff; Devin Finn as Jack Worthing, J.P.; Sarah Zeringue as Gwendolen Fairfax.
Austin Playhouse has opened its 2025–26 season with the production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Lara Toner Haddock, the production runs September 19 through October 19 at the Playhouse’s home on West 22nd Street.
The story centers on two men, John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both come up with the idea of living double lives under the name “Ernest.” Naturally, this leads to all kinds of confusion, romantic entanglements, and hilarious misunderstandings. The play is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with two 10-minute intermissions.
This was the first play I had ever attended, and the moment I arrived, the set immediately caught my attention. Velvet furniture in deep green shades anchored the stage, infusing it with a touch of Victorian elegance, while floral arrangements and an ornate side table added layers of sophistication. The walls struck a balance between subtle textures and bold painted flourishes, giving the space a whimsical quality that perfectly mirrored the absurdities unfolding on stage. A carefully placed bar cart highlighted the characters’ indulgent lifestyles. Overall, the design was grounded enough to support the story yet lively enough to keep the atmosphere vibrant and captivating.
It wasn’t until halfway through the play that I paused and thought, Wait, did I dream about this? In that instant, I realized I had studied this very play in one of my university English classes. Each scene seemed to unlock a hidden memory, stirring a sense of familiarity I hadn’t expected. I remember both reading the play and watching its 2002 film adaptation.
All of the actors fully embodied the charisma of their characters, bringing each one vividly to life. The costumes were equally well-chosen, with my favorite being Cecily’s. Her attire was far less extravagant than Lady Bracknell’s or Gwendolen’s, which perfectly reflected her countryside upbringing. I loved how the designers blended the fashion of the period with the practicality and simplicity expected of someone from rural life. Each actor delivered an outstanding performance, but my favorite was Algernon Moncrieff, played by Bayley Elis. As silly as it sounds, Algernon reminded me of Schmidt from New Girl, though, of course, as a 19th-century, upper-class version. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him; the character often made me laugh, and it was clear that Bayley was fully immersed in the role, even in small details like the way he chewed while in character.
Wilde’s play is well known for its critique of Victorian society. It exposes the deception and hypocrisy that were rampant among the upper class, showing how such behavior had become almost ordinary. While the story is lighthearted and entertaining, it also invites the audience to reflect on the absurdities and flaws of social norms at the time.
Despite me knowing that’s the main idea of the play. I particularly enjoyed the delusions of several characters. Cecily is a great example of how the characters hold on to their own delusions and expectations. She had her own idea of love and even created a timeline for how her romance with Algernon should happen. When it didn’t go the way she imagined, she still held onto it, writing it in her diary and treating it as real, because that was the version of love she wanted. It’s funny and a little absurd, but it also makes you think: if one person can cling so tightly to their own personal expectations, imagine the power that society has over us, shaping how we think we should live, love, and behave. Wilde shows that our desires and fantasies might be personal, but the pressure to conform to social rules can be even stronger.
Overall, I had a truly wonderful evening at the play. By the end, I had completely forgotten that I was watching live actors in front of me; I wasn’t watching a screen, as I’m so accustomed to. The experience was refreshing, immersive, and entirely engaging. I would highly recommend spending an evening experiencing this play in person.
Casting for The Importance of Being Earnest includes Bailey Ellis as Algernon Moncrieff; Devin Finn as Jack Worthing, J.P.; Sarah Zeringue as Gwendolen Fairfax; Vivian Noble as Cecily Cardew; Gina Houston as Miss Prism; Lowell Bartholomee as Reverend Chasuble; Tom Parker as Lane/Merriman; and Babs George as Lady Augusta Bracknell.
