SU production of ‘Earnest’ entertains

Last night, the Department of Speech and Theatre presented “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Frank Hayden Theatre on Southern University’s campus.
Directed by Aileen Hendricks, “Earnest” was true to the original script written by Oscar Wilde.
Set in 1890s England, Jack Worthing, who’s pretending to be Ernest, played by sophomore Langston Williams comes to visit his friend Algernon Moncrieff, played by freshman Antonio Romero, in London and to propose to his love Gwendolen Fairfax, played by sophomore Nykeisha Bryer.
When Gwendolen revels to Jack-as-Ernest that she can only marry someone named Ernest, a comedy of errors ensues as Jack and Algernon try to win the hearts of women who they have been keeping their real identities from.
Although British comedies usually do not translate well for American audiences because of accents and style of comedy, the audience laughed and the actors received great applause.
The breakout star of the night was Williams, who flawlessly played Jack-as-Earnest without over acting. The chemistry between him and Bryer was quite evident and audiences could not wait until the two of them were on stage.
Graduating senior Bashirah Perine, who played the formable Lady Bracknell, gave a powerful performance, which was her last on Hayden’s Theatre as a student.
Donning a red dress and matching hat, Perine was William’s match on stage.
Perhaps the only lull in the performance was the choice of content. Despite “Earnest” being a hilarious play, the scenes would sometimes drag on because there were only two actors on stage.
Hendrick’s direction was apparent in how well the cast stayed in character and kept a solid British accent throughout the performance.
Not all great comedy performances are made by lines, as seen by senior Geoffrey Broussard performance’s as Merriman, Ernest/Jack’s butler. In a few lines, facial expressions and poster, Broussard managed to turned a forgetful servant into a main character.
“Earnest” has two more showings, tonight and tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Admission is $3 for students with a valid ID.