The Editor Recommends...Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest Arena Stage's Fichandler theatre, opening Nov. 12, running through Dec. 26.By Nicholas F. Benton Wilde comedies are like Zucker Brother movies, there are puns and laughs a minute. If the timing and inflection are done right, as with all comedies, the result is cascading hilarity. In Wilde's case, of course, the humor is far more than slapstick. It is often very insightful social comment, and that's especially true for this, his most popular play, written in 1895. Few have mastered the "one liner" better than he. In this production, Ridiculous Theatrical Company alum Everett Quinton directs, and "will make this play a sumptuous treat for everyone," says Arena Stage artistic director Molly Smith. Quinton played the role of Will Hays in last season's wildly successful comedy, Shakespeare in Hollywood. Check out www.arenastage.org. For tickets, call (202) 488-3300. |