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

Length: 1 hr and 58 mins

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

I've been spoiled by the movie

It's wonderful Wilde, but I felt the dialog was rushed. I did like the info at the end about Wilde. Thanks.

A wonderful production of a great play!

I found it impossible not to laugh out loud while listening to this witty comedy of manners. I've seen the play many times, but have never seen a production more enjoyable than listening to this performance. Bravo!

Giggling while reading

I read this from my computer at work and could often be heard giggling. I truly had no idea how it was going to end, right up until it did. Highly recommend!

This was entertaining - very well done!

This was entertaining and very well done. I enjoyed the small bouts of audience reaction.

Delightful

Any additional comments?

Although I've seen the movie, I'd never read - or listened to - the original play, so I was excited when I came across this audiobook performance on Audible. It didn't disappoint. I loved the story of mistaken identities, long-lost family and rich people's shenanigans, and the characters were all charming and endearing in their own way. The language is obviously gorgeous and witty, and it was brilliantly delivered by the actors in this edition. It all flowed really well and was just a delight to listen to.

I laughed and laughed

Best thing I have listened to in a long long time . Great job. Have recommend it to many others

What a treat!

I love the play but this audio version was an absolute delight! A perfect way to spend an hour. I laughed out loud so many times I'm glad I was home 😂

Brilliant!!

I was actually unsure whether to buy this or not, as I was worried that, being recorded at a real theatrical performance, the lack of any kind of description of the scenes and actions would make it difficult to follow, and consequently render it less enjoyable.
I had no reason to worry. The quality of the sound is very good, and the actors are really great, so you can recognize the different characters with no problem. And fortunately the conversations alone let you easily understand where the action is taking place and what is happening.
As for the rest, there is very little to say:
I won't even try to review the story, it's just too great (and witty, and silly, and funny, and brilliant, and a lot of other similar adjectives) for words.
The quality of the sound is very good.
The actors impersonate the various characters perfectly, and hearing this play actually acted out is infinitely better than just reading it (after all, this is the way it was meant to be enjoyed). I already knew the story well (it's one of my favorite books) but hearing it this way still made me laugh out loud!!!

Hilarious. Well acted.

It was great 100 years ago, and its great now. I love this play more every time I read/see/hear it. The acting in this version is spot on. This was very enjoyable. I bought it so that I could share my love of this play with a friend while on a road trip. She loved it.

Love, Love, Love!

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite works by Oscar Wilde. I have seen the old and newer movies and read it. Listening to this dramatization was an awesome experience. The players were spot on! I could see what was happening as I was listening. Would suggest this to anyone!!