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The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)  By  cover art

The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)

By: Oscar Wilde
Narrated by: James Marsters, Charles Busch, Emily Bergl, Neil Dickson, Jill Gascoine, Christopher Neame, Matthew Wolf
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Publisher's summary

This final play from the pen of Oscar Wilde is a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, complete with assumed names, mistaken lovers, and a lost handbag. Jack and Algernon are best friends, both wooing ladies who think their names are Ernest, "that name which inspires absolute confidence". Wilde's effervescent wit, scathing social satire, and high farce make this one of the most cherished plays in the English language.

Includes an interview with director Michael Hackett, professor of Theater in the School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA.

An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring:
James Marsters as Jack
Charles Busch as Lady Bracknell
Emily Bergl as Cecily
Neil Dickson as Lane and Merriman
Jill Gascoine as Miss Prism
Christopher Neame as Chasuble
Matthew Wolf as Algernon
Sarah Zimmerman as Gwendolen

Directed by Michael Hackett. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles.

©2009 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2009 L.A. Theatre Works

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What listeners say about The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)

Average customer ratings
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Very well done

A wonderful rendition and well acted. I laughed. I smiled. And I would recommend. =)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome

Michael Hackett did an amazing job directing the actors. Just listening to the audio book made me laugh out loud. Oscar Wilde was a great satirist. I'm sorry he felt he had to quit. He was so good. The actors were amazing as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Delightful!

An excellent, hilarious play, well voiced and just great fun. I think Wilde would be well pleased. How I wish history could go back and apologize for all the wrongs done him.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

This Was Fun!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Importance of Being Earnest to be better than the print version?

Not really, but hearing it was so cool. Hearing the performance made me appreciate the story that much more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Importance of Being Earnest?

Ha! Anytime James Marsters spoke I stood to attention.

Any additional comments?

This little listen was just fun. I loved it because I wanted something short and funny for an afternoon. This was just perfect. I recommend sitting in the lounge chair with a spirit of your choice, headphones, and your eyes closed!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Makes me remember why I love Oscar Wilde!

What did you love best about The Importance of Being Earnest?

I really enjoyed this performance. Because it is a play, it was performed with different actors for each character. Loved it!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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a lot of fun

the cast was excellent. the live theater element helped my students appreciate some of the humor points. HS students need a little "modeling" to follow the dry wit and accents. Enjoyed the commentary at the end, too.

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  • Overall
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Pun-Tastic

A most excellent tale! A Brilliant Wordsmith! God Bless Oscar Wilde. .........

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Great performance!

This is a hugely entertaining play and the performances delightful. Be prepared to laugh several times.

It's a quick listen and worth the member purchase price. It's not a credit purchase.

#witty #clever #funny #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I listened to it over and over

Any additional comments?

I always imagined Oscar Wilde as being a very serious writer. However there were several instances in this play were I couldn't breathe because I was laughing to hard. I've made everyone I know listen to it and everyone has thanked me for the experience. I definitely recommend this for you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Talented, insightful actor gives justice to genius

What did you love best about The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)?

James Marsters is a uniquely talented actor in that he not only displays enviable skills among others working within the trade, he is undoubtedly extremely intelligent, insightful, thoughtful and willing to invest the efforts to "undress" the authors he represents. He not only presents a commendable performance of the obvious intent, meaning, etc, he is one of few actors who possess the ability to see the influences, subtle meanings and even unintended revelations of an author's work. His insight seems to give him access to intent even the authors themselves didn't consciously acknowledge.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)?

By far.

Any additional comments?

Enjoy a classic playwright as performed by an equally genius classical actor!

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