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See It! Review by: DoctorJoeE, May 7, 2008 |
"Truth," as Oscar Wilde famously wrote, "is rarely pure and seldom simple." But the simple truth about TIOBE is that it holds up surprisingly well after a hundred or so years. The Victorian circumstances and lifestyles are hopelessly dated, but the points Wilde strove to make come through loud and clear, and the satire and cynicism are totally current.
This is not a polished production. The actors are very competent, but much of the ... read more time they are reciting their lines rather than acting them. (Carol Schultz, as Lady Bracknell, is particularly guilty of this, and her character is entirely too pleasant and cheerful.) The accents are mostly all wrong. And as a group they lack the necessary comedic chops; punchline after punchline went by without a laugh due to poorly-timed deliveries. Bradford Cover, as Jack, is the best of the bunch, but even he missed some significant laugh opportunities by rushing his lines.
As a whole, however, this is a production well worth your time. The Pearl Theatre is a small, intimate venue, and there aren't nearly enough of those around anymore at the professional level. And Oscar Wilde's work lives on, thank goodness. Go see it, and consider supporting the nonprofit Pearl Theatre Company with a subscription and/or donation. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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