The cucumber sandwiches were not prepared as planned, as cucumbers were not available, according to Lane, the butler. Everything else, however, is waiting for you to come to tea at “The Importance of Being Earnest,” now playing in the Angus Bowmer Theatre at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. 

This delightfully witty, brilliantly executed play is just rife with cleverly cadenced dialog and scintillating satire, the likes of which could only have been produced by the ingenious 19th century satirist, Oscar Wilde. This is also a production that will visually take your breath away, right down to the Asian-inspired panels affixed to the sides of the stage. Scenic designer Se Hyun Oh has executed Director Desdemona Chiang’s vision in the most exquisite ways.

Yes, Chiang has taken this decidedly English satire, setting it right at the heart of the British-Asian colonial empire. In the program she describes how she reimagined the production in this way: “…I offer you my take on ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ set in the British Malay Peninsula during the Victorian era. …It’s frock coats and corsets sweating in 90% tropical humidity.” This production is a delight for the senses from Algernon’s elegant flat (a central character) to a lush, tropical garden in Act II, in which the young sweethearts find themselves.

When this reviewer first happened upon Wilde, it was in a high school literature class. At the time his work seemed supercilious and overblown, until our teacher explained that he was famous for mocking the British Victorian upper class. It was then my love and appreciation for his writing developed. There’s even a favorite character who emerged from this story. She is the disapproving Aunt Augusta (aka Lady Bracknell), who may possibly be Wilde’s alter ego.

“I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance,” she proclaims. “Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit, touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory on modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately, in England at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.” 

Linda Alper plays Aunt Augusta with wonderful appeal.

So pray tell, what is this satire about? Two young men have fashioned a life for themselves that allows them to be who they want to be in the city, as opposed to how they must conduct themselves in the country. They too have invented alter egos so they can have fun and go a little Wilde (pun intended) without being discovered.

There’s also a mystery about a baby discovered in a handbag tossed into the mix.

Act I takes place in Algernon’s elegantly appointed flat, located in George Town, capital city of Penang. Algernon is known by the name Ernest by some, and has also invented a relative named Bunbury, a sickly fellow he uses to get out of social engagements. Suffice it to say, it all a bit convoluted. His friend, John Worthing, adeptly played by Julian Remulla, is also known in some circles as Ernest, and in others as Jack. Both young men have fallen for two heady, sophisticated young ladies. One is John (Jack) Worthing’s ward, Cecily Cardew and the other is Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolyn Fairfax. Each of them falls for the other’s relation. Both women eventually think they have fallen for the same man — Ernest.

Kiki deLohr plays a determined Gwendolen, impervious to her Aunt’s reservations about her feelings for Jack. Uma Paranjpe was a reserved and studious Cecily Cardew in this performance.

The performances turned in by all four are first rate and decidedly British in feel if accents aren’t always spot on. Hao Feng plays Algernon with distinguished impudence. He and Remulla engage in some humorous and precise repartee.

Other standouts are Rex Young, as Lane the butler, whose timing is impeccable, and Amelio Garcia as Merriman. 

Melissa Torchia’s costumes — right down to Gwendolyn’s silky, ultra feminine gowns and Cecily’s Asian inspired robings, along with the gentleman’s colorful, tailored vests — are stunning.

After the success of this play, Oscar Wilde was maligned and imprisoned for being a homosexual. He left England, living his later years in France. Thankfully, his wonderfully urbane works and jocularity are forever captured in his characters and remain with us as treasures. This is one you would do well to discover.

Performances of OSF’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” are scheduled to run through Oct. 25, in the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Tickets start at $36. The OSF campus is located at 15 S. Pioneer St., Ashland. Showtimes, ticket prices and information available at osfashland.org or at 800-219-8161. Group discounts available.

Tagline: Reach Ashland-based writer Lucie K. Scheuer at LucieScheuer19@gmail.com.