“The Importance of Being Earnest with Zombies” is a play originally created by Oscar Wilde, which was first performed in 1895. (From left to right) The four lead actors and actresses- Kelly Pekar (Gwendolyn Fairfax), Daniel Schwab (Algernon Moncrieff), Nick Lerew (Jack Worthing) and Maya Naff (Cecily Cardew).
freeFall Theatre runs production of “The Importance of Being Earnest with Zombies.”
How does one find love in the aristocratic circles of London that are plagued by the undead?
An old play with a new twist seeks to answer that question. The freeFall Theatre Company is currently running a production called “The Importance of Being Earnest with Zombies” until Nov. 1.
The zombies, or ambulators as they are called in the play, act as a point of tension. Much like the popular television show The Walking Dead, the zombies are not the focus, but rather a reminder of the impending danger that surrounds the story.
The play was originally created by Oscar Wilde, and was first performed in 1895. Utilizing satire, the production’s purpose originally sought to undermine the importance of aristocracy and marriage. It would become the climax of Wilde’s career, but shortly after the play’s production, Wilde was sent to prison. It was the last work he would ever produce as he was forced to live out the rest of his life in exile.
Today’s production has been adapted by Eric Davis, who is known for mixing up timeless classics. In the past, Davis has written a version of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” performed as a one man show, and set “Into the Woods” in a psychiatry office.
It is difficult to improve a satirical play that has proved timeless, and sadly Davis’ additions are apparent. Yet, he does succeed in crafting a pleasingly fun and trivial experience, much like Wilde did in the original production. There is just something special about fitting an old play with conventions of modern society.
“Look at it through a modern lens and you find out that there are a lot more commonalities than you’d imagine,” said lead actor Nick Lerew, who plays Jack Worthing.
The play is set in London, and its surrounding countryside where two young men, Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing, fall in love. Daniel Schwab plays Moncrieff and does a phenomenal job at being a quick-witted handsome aristocrat. Both he and Lerew, as Jack Worthing, deceive two young ladies into thinking that they are (both) a dashing zombie hunter named Ernest Worthing.
“With the emergence of how popular zombies are this holiday season, adding in this new element gives us the opportunity to look at the things this play was critiquing and satirizing when it originally came out in 1895,” Lerew said. “They are critiquing that upright stodginess, and their attention to manners –and how that leads down to a path of triviality.”
Their female opposites steal the show. Maya Naff plays Cecily Cardew, a smart and hilarious woman, in love with Moncrieff. Kelly Pekar plays Gwendolyn Fairfax, an astute London aristocrat who is in love with Worthing. Each woman is convinced the one they love is named Ernest, and will only ever love a man with that name.
The entire play culminates to an epic third act that will keep all on the edge of their seats – with a fun twist that is revealed on top of the original surprise. If you are stodgy with your original plays, you may not enjoy “The Importance of Being Earnest with Zombies.”
But, you’d be exactly who Wilde was poking fun at.
Information:
freeFall Theatre
6099 Central Ave.
(727) 498-5205
Tickets start at $30
