The Importance of Being Earnest (Two Ways)

See it if you want to laugh. Wilde penned one of the greatest comedies ever...every sentence sparkles. NYCT gives this gem a proper, unfussy setting.

Don't see it if you only like modern experimental theater...altho try the reverse-gender casting wh upends convention. Some top-notch performances.

Also I am a fan of the NY Classical Theatre's outdoor, roving prodns...and now I'm a fan of their indoor prodns!

Special shout-outs to Castanzo (Cecily/Algernon) and Peterson (Jack/Gwendolyn) who shine. I preferred the conventional casting, but had fun seeing both versions.

If you want to reserve a seat, it costs a refundable $30. Or just show up for any unreserved seats (and give a donation...if you can afford to).... Read more Read less

See it if you've never seen it! Great fun in both versions. Wlide's clever writing comes through. All of the actors work hard to make a fine ensemble.

Don't see it if you are expecting something novel. Even with the flipped casting the staging and performances are traditional.

See it if Light rom com of stuffy Victorians trying to find love and bending all the societal rules to do so.

Don't see it if Acoustics are tough in the park (they always face the crowd when speaking rather than each other). Moving seats distracts you too much.

Also Central Park: 2 hour play happens at 3 sites which requires you to move twice. Bring something to sit on the grass.
Diversity: 1 Black actor. They flip genders between performances, which is a more queer experience despite a very hetero plot.
Disclaimer: I have never read or experienced this play before.... Read more Read less

See it if You like outdoor theatre. It was gender swap night. The story was still just as good and classic.

Don't see it if You do not like panoramic theatre. You do not like modernization of classics

See it if You want to see a well performed version of a classic play in a beautiful setting. Enjoy plays in parks.

Don't see it if You do you not like sitting on the ground or standing. Do not like satires or Victorian dramas.

Also NYCT is one of the best park companies in the city. Always fun and well cast. Say it with traditional cast, as this year the gender bending has been overdone. I’m sure the cast does a great job the other way though.... Read more Read less

See it if You like al fresco performances of a great comedy of manners given by talented and enthusiastic actors with great gusto.

Don't see it if If you don't like sitting on the grass or moving about between scenes and are bored by Oscar Wilde (how could you be?)

See it if you love Wilde, like seeing old shows through a new lens, like good acting.

Don't see it if you hate the original.

See it if so funny

Don't see it if n/a

See it if You want to see a wonderfully done straight production of this classic comedy and a hilarious gender-flipping version of it.

Don't see it if You're not open to finding something first staged in 1895 highly amusing.

Also Several outstanding performances. Connie Castanzo was spectacular both as Cecily and as Algernon. If life is at all fair she has a ripping theater career ahead of her. Jed Peterson killed both as Jack and -- especially -- Gwendolyn. Clay Storseth nailed both Dr. Chasuble and Miss Prisim.
Kate Goehring channeled Lady Bracknell nicely. And the rest of the cast were all above par as well.... Read more Read less

See it if 8 actors bring clear clever fun to a late Victorian picnic setting. Gender reversed casting proves clothes do not make the man. Or the woman

Don't see it if You don't like Oscar Wilde. But it is so delightful it might convince you.

Also This is a laugh out loud fast moving production, and everyone in it is up to the task of playing a woman one night and a man the next. Well conceived and entertaining. Will be repeated outdoors this summer in the parks. See it both ways.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to give old English plays a chance/want to see a solid outdoor production.

Don't see it if You don’t like sitting in the grass. There’s also movement between acts which may be a concern for people who can’t walk or move easily.

See it if you adore classics being done at their finest.

Don't see it if you have difficulty sitting outdoors

See it if If you like puns and sharp dialogue.

Don't see it if You prefer musicals...this is nothing like that.

See it if If you're interested in seeing a classic Oscar Wilde masterpiece both traditional and flipped on its head with a modern twist.

Don't see it if Don't see it if you hate joy

See it if Love it

Don't see it if None