The Importance of Being Earnest Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Where to start with "Earnest"? When casting was announced, I was thrilled about this particular combination of Chicago regulars that I'd first seen separately at Oak Park Festival Theatre: August Forman (a revelatory Romeo), Sonia Goldberg (an empowered Titania) and Aurora Penepacker, who starred in the indie-rock musical "Seagulls" before a breakout 2024-25 season in leading musical roles at Writers Theatre and Kokandy Productions. Together with Chad Bay, who plays Jack, these actors form the two central couples in Wilde's romantic comedy: Forman as Algernon, Goldberg as Gwendolyn and Penepacker as Cecily."

Buzz Center Stage - Somewhat Recommended

"...One of the things that makes The Importance of Being Earnest work is the moral certitude that the characters bring to their pronouncements, no matter how absurd they are or whether their actions correspond to their words. This certitude also grounds the characters in their truths and forms the foundation of their interactions, but too often the actors are checking in with the audience to see if they got the joke (especially when many of Wilde’s observations still resonate) or negotiating with the lines."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Oak Park Festival Theatre continues its 51st Anniversary season with Oscar Wilde’s smashing comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. First produced in 1895, the play is memorable from Wilde’s fast wit and the farcical parody of the English upper class. Oak Park’s production of Earnest, directed by newcomer Kathryn Walsh, is a comical performance with high energy."