Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...In a play that skewers indulgence, director Jim Schneider's ensemble occasionally heighten Wilde's comedy in all the wrong ways, but the delicate, cupcake-like design, fashioned after a Victorian toy theater, is a delight throughout."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...Oscar Wilde shows his wit and charm in his 'trivial comedy for serious people,' The Importance of Being Ernest, now playing at the Athenaeum Theatre. In this comic masterpiece presented by the Dead Writers Theatre Collective, bad timing is well timed. One-liners spark laughter from the audience throughout and the impressive cast delivers a sharp, witty take on this endearing classic.Bachelors Algernon (Jack Dryden), the larger than life playboy, and Jack Worthing (Sean Magill), the upright and guilt-ridden Catholic, come up with elaborate schemes to hide their double lives."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Many years ago, a half hour into the Body Politic Theatre's revival of The Importance of Being Earnest a woman behind me very softly threw up. It was done so efficiently, even decorously, that it barely disturbed the patrons near her, let alone the performance. In a strange way her unavoidable act seemed a compliment to the play: something very natural had been restrained till it was all but harmless."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Schneider imbues his production with physical comedy which is almost as amusing as the dialogue. Wrestling which is carefully choreographed to avoid damaging the actors' costumes looks a bit odd, but the sight of Algernon indignantly defending himself while stuffing his face with food (a very difficult thing to do without choking) is priceless. It's a delight to discover that an old favorite like The Importance of Being Earnest still has life in it. Even secondary characters like Algernon's repressed servant, Lane (Chris Bruzzini) have brilliant moments. A Lady Bracknell who affords herself the ghost of a smirk while tormenting Jack/Earnest ties together this light-hearted production, which is a nice tribute to Wilde's sense of playfulness. And whatever one thinks of the novel, albeit occasionally intrusive, scenic concept, Patti Roeder's costumes are a joy in themselves."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I always enjoy my trips to the Athaneum. There is a bar and concessions on the first floor and its historic nature lends it intensely mysterious even if lacks0 grandeur. My trip Saturday was made even more delightful by Dead Writer Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Oscar Wilde’s most famous play has always had a certain darkness underlying it. No-one is earnest through the entire play: mixed identities, secrets, and ridiculous characters seriously undermine its title. However, comically Wilde’s presentation shows that being less than honest can be funny."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Elegantly and energetically presented by a talented ensemble, under the guidance of director Jim Schneider, and supported by his gifted artistic team, this production comes from one of Chicago's continually evolving theatre companies. This polished gem shines brightly and radiates with style. And as Oscar Wilde wrote, "In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.""
PlaylistHQ - Highly Recommended
"...The production of this play is incredibly well done. All three acts have a completely different set. All the actors play their characters hilariously with great English accents. It's an absolute joy to watch and the two hours and 45 minutes (with two intermissions) fly by. It's a delightful theatre experience."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This "Earnest" excels by playing to both the gay and straight interpretations of Wilde's work. It's a double vision of double lives: Each and every character is a hypocrite who keeps another self on the shelf. The gay subtext is still endearingly present but so is a severely straight Lady Bracknell who-in Bowman's biting delivery-vehemently boasts that she never "undeceives" her husband "on any question." Marriage is everyone's folly now."
