The Importance of Being Earnest at A Noise Within

The Importance of Being Earnest

A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena

Though they're all about dodging social obligations or commitment of any kind, two wily young bachelors attempt to come across as very earnest -- while masquerading as guys named Ernest -- as they set out to win their well-dowried ladies' hearts. Of course, their plan goes hilariously awry. Oscar Wilde's enduring 1895 satire is a wittily sly romp through Victorian society, filled with one-liners and double entendres that still pack a mighty comic punch today. Revived numerous times on Broadway, ... Earnest was also adapted into a 2002 film starring Oscar winners Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth.

Thru - Nov 22, 2014

Show Times TBA

Price: $46-$60

Show Type: Comedy

Box Office: 626-356-3100

www.anoisewithin.org

A Noise Within Seating Chart

The Importance of Being Earnest Reviews

Average Rating based on 6 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Los Angeles Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...However, while director Michael Michetti, as always one of L.A.'s best helmers, gives the property a refreshing nontraditional spin as regards casting, certain choices are more questionable. A number of interstitial cuts disturb the incomparable rhythm of Wilde's text, with more than one memorable tagline in Bracknell's interview scene with Jack, say, or Gwendolen's face-off with Cecily gone missing. More critically, the emphasis on facial comedy and physical business sometimes works on its own terms, but at the expense of the play's tempos and attitude. This might be the first "Earnest" in memory where Gwendolen, then Algernon does a Danny Thomas spit take, or where the Worthing/Moncrieff battle of the muffins threatens to become a rambling free-for-all."

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- David C. Nichols

LA Weekly - Somewhat Recommended

"...Staged with a healthy budget and traditionally cast, A Noise Within's production in Pasadena takes a fairly standard approach to the text, staging the play's three acts competently and unabridged. Adam Haas Hunter struts about charmingly, giving Algernon a foppish quality that's compounded by Garry D. Lennon's extravagant costumes. But while the production, helmed by Michael Michetti, delivers modest laughs, it never soars to the comedic heights that the text promises."

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- Katie Buenneke

Edge - Recommended

"...Overall, "The Importance of Being Earnest" was an absolute delight. The actors suited their respective characters, the scenery was quite beautiful in a simplistic way, and there were plenty of laughs. As over the top and extravagant Oscar Wilde wants you to believe his characters to be, you can still find a humble side to them that you will strangely relate to… no matter how hard to try to deny it. Wilde is a self-proclaimed "dandy," join him and A Noise Within and explore that part of ourselves we all know we have."

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- Michelle Sandoval

StageHappenings.com - Recommended

"...But Michael Michetti's new interpretation of Oscar Wilde's 1895 social satire (at A Noise Within Theatre) is just such a revelation to tired old eyes. Taking to heart the notion that the classics can and should be cast with non-whites, Michetti and producers found actors who understood the specific demands of Mr. Wilde's theatrical style and were perfectly cast in their roles."

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- Dale Reynolds

Neon Tommy - Recommended

"...Regardless of having read Wilde's classic or not, A Noise Within's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" is filled with the clever suspense and surprise of the author's artful scheming."

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- Francesca Calvo

The Stage Struck Review - Recommended

"...Now in a very classy new rendition at A Noise Within, the show offers up some interesting choices, a beautiful setting, and all of that satisfyingly uncomplicated humor. It makes for a relaxing, entertaining evening."

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- Frances Baum Nicholson

The Importance of Being Earnest at A Noise Within