Wild Rice's latest play The Importance of Being Ernest showed no lack of talent adapting Oscar Wilde's enduring and witty literature. In the beginning, the alluring Victorian set and dashing outfits (dressed to the nines by fashion doyen Frederick Lee) seemed to impress us on what was about to develop, but it was clear how director Glen Goei and Wilde's comic masterpiece took centrestage in all its quick-witted, rapid-fire style of irony and sarcasm - perfect to my appetite.Two dashing Romeos bend the truth to spice up their lives. Jack has invented a brother, Earnest, whom he uses to escape his dull country life, and to woo the ravishing Gwendolyn. His best friend Algernon also decides to take the name 'Earnest' to cosy up to Jack's beautiful ward, Cecily in the country. When the lovers finally come together, we have two men who claim to be Earnest but aren't, and two women who are love with men named Earnest but aren't. So just who is in love with whom?
Ivan Heng was undoubtedly impressive, to say the least, in delivering his role as Lady Bracknell with finese and ostentatiousness. In accmpaniment to no unfamiliarity too, was Chua Enlai, who played the role of the a seemingly vacuous yet filial daughter Gwendolen. Another familiar face, Hossan Leong, in his high-pitched comic enigma, played the part of Miss Prism, and it was only towards the later part with which some mysteries were forcefully demystified.
But the fresh-faced Daniel York and Brandon Fernandez, who played the roles of "Ernest" in more ways than expected, drew the most applause for their endearing performance. Oh, and let's not forget the special appearance of the T'ang Quartet who played out their charm in music and outfits all through the performance. One honest advice, don't be late for this show, for you wouldn't want to miss out on any sandwiches getting up close and personal with the cast. That's the importance of being Ernest.
