CEDAR CITY — The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde was first performed in 1895. Directed by Rodney Lizcano as part of this year’s Utah Shakespeare Festival, what is it about this show that keeps companies choosing to produce it 130 years later? A witty and farcical story, it follows a pair of men, Algernon Moncrief, played by Rob Riordan, and Jack Worthing, played by Christopher Joel Onken, as they pursue love and leisure. Both end up in relationships with women whom they have fooled into thinking each man is named Ernest, which is essential to their love as the women have always deeply desired to love a man named Ernest. Humorous twists of tongues ensue as the plot weaves through love, lies, and, well, the importance of being earnest.
A scene from Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2025 production of The Importance of Being Earnest
The set design of the production by Jo Winiarski is exquisite. Because the characters are meant to have money, Winiarski appears to have not held anything back. From the lovely couches and wall hangings in the London flat of the first act to the beautiful flower gardens of the country house, the surroundings are very realistic and elegant. Adding to this are the costumes by Bill Black, which are accurate to the time period and quite beautiful. One of my favorite moments is when Riordan is changing from his regular jacket to his dinner jacket, and seeing the differences in jackets was quite fun. Also, the final dress of Lady Bracknell, played by Sarah Shippobotham, is intricately beautiful and in my personal favorite color. (If the festival ever decides to sell it, you know who to call.) Kate Drinkard as Gwendolen Fairfax and Valerie Martire as Cecily Cardew also carry fantastic costumes. From the vibrant color choices to the clever hints of matching to the romantic pairings, the costumes create sensational visuals. And of course it must be mentioned that the hats are top notch.
Christopher Joel Onken (left) as Jack and Sarah Shippobotham as Lady Bracknell in Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2025 production of The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest is full of classic scenes that kept the audience smiling throughout the production. Both Riordan and Onken play well against each other. When they are sharing their different escapades in the country and the city, the wit and banter is jovial and well-paced. The famous muffin scene had me laughing “right out loud,” as they say in the play. When Shipponbotham’s Lady Blackwell enters into the show, even more humor ensues. Her ability to maintain stone-faced decorum while questioning the motives of Onken’s character is quite impressive. It makes the surprising turn of many questions even more shocking. I also enjoyed how she was able to keep a straight face when questioning why a person had not made up their mind if they were going to be healthy or die. Drinkard and Martire share a fantastic scene in Act 2 where they quickly turn their anger and frustration with each other to indignation at the lack of sincerity from those who have been courting them. The level of comedic energy that these actresses are able to use to deliver this character change is breathtaking.
Luke Sidney Johnson as Lane the Butler is also a comedic delight. Johnson’s ability to deliver lines with dry humor and a nonchalant face is uncanny. A hero for anyone who has had to suffer through a job they disliked with difficult coworkers, Johnson’s take on the butler’s plight is well enjoyed. The final two cast members are Melinda Parrett as Miss Prism and Frank Oden as Rev. Dr. Chasuble, who play well the awkward coupling who are trying to avoid being coupled. When they first meet each other, the interaction is a lovely mix of innocence and romantic tension. As the production continued, their awkward yet unique connection grew. I always enjoy that level of chemistry and Parrett and Oden had several different scenes where they play it eloquently.
Valerie Martire (left) as Cecily and Katie Drinkard as Gwendolen in Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2025 production of The Importance of Being Earnest
The final scene where all is revealed is filled with the great things a comedy of this nature looks for: heightened physical comedy, advanced word play, and astonishing secrets finally revealed. The direction of Lizcano in this scene shows why a tale that was written 130 years ago can still hold interest today. From the fear and frustration that Parrett shows as Prism, to the excitement each of the others show as truths are revealed – all the staging choices helped it come together in such a way that it seemed fresh and new instead of over a century old. With all the stress and turmoil in the world, it is nice to have an evening of fun and farce at The Importance of Being Earnest.
