REVIEW: Tennessee Rep Delivers an Impeccable ‘Earnest’

Photo by Shane Burkeen courtesy Tennessee Repertory Theatre.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, is now playing at TPAC’s Andrew Johnson Theater and getting rave reviews. Check out the latest from Evans Donnell at ArtsNash:

“The entire cast – which also includes Bobby Wyckoff doubling as servants Lane and Merriman, Denice Hicks as Cecily’s governess Miss Prism and Brian Webb Russell as the Rev. Canon Chasuble – are in command of moment and mirth throughout. Each has impeccable timing, and their actions and reactions are precisely what one would think they should be for each character. Carter and Landham are particularly impressive in their attacks; it’s not hard to fall into the trap of overdoing their characters’ pomposity such that Bracknell and Gwendolyn become boorish, but both actors avoid that trap with deliveries that breathe fresh life into characters I’ve seen at least 30 times on stage or screen over the years.”

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Rene Copeland, runs through November 2. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26 as well as Nov. 2. 

For tickets call (615) 782-4040 or visit www.tennesseerep.org

WICKED: Oh, What A Celebration We'll Have Today

This month, the fan-favorite blockbuster musical, Wicked, will celebrate its 10^th anniversary. On October 30, it will become one of only 10 other Broadway productions to have reached this milestone. Here is a look at all the “Emerald City” celebrations coming up:

 First, a deluxe edition of the original Broadway Cast recording with all 19 original tracks, plus bonus tracks, and a new track called “Popular Song” by MIKA featuring Arianna Grande, will be released digitally October 29 and in stores November 19. The two-CD edition will feature new artwork created specifically for the show’s anniversary. It will include a booklet with updated content by composer Stephen Schwartz and Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. A vinyl, collector’s edition will be for sale online at www.wickedthemusical.com and at the Gershwin Theatre.

 If you will be in New York, you can find Wicked costumes, memorabilia, and merchandise on display from October 20 to November 1 at the NBC Experience Store in Rockefeller Plaza. At the JFK airport, the American Airlines terminal will be transformed into Oz from October 15 until November 30. The display, called the “World of Wicked,” will feature a replica of Glinda’s bubble and a special museum display called “Behind the Emerald Curtain.”

 The show’s home on Broadway, the Gershwin Theatre, is undergoing renovations for the 10^th anniversary performance, including changes to the front-of-house and restrooms, as well as the installation of new carpeting and new seats. Meanwhile, the artwork and website for Wicked are receiving makeovers, and a special “greenified” Playbill will be distributed at the show on the night of October 30.

 Don’t live in New York and feel like you’re missing out on all Wicked fun? Fans of the show on Facebook and Twitter followers can participate in online giveaways during “30 Days of Flight.” The prizes include special gifts, messages from cast members, and more. Every week, fans will have the opportunity to win two tickets to the 10th anniversary performance. You can like Wicked here and follow the show here.

Last but not least, celebrity and fashion manicurist Deborah Lippman has created a new trio of nail polishes in honor of the anniversary. You can pick up the shades called “Defying Gravity”, “Popular”, and “One Short Day” at Sephora stores or www.sephora.com for a limited time.  

 

Wicked is currently playing an open-ended run on Broadway in New York and operating two national tours, one of which will make a four-week, return stop at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in March to April 2014. Tickets go on sale in January.

For more on the anniversary celebrations and reunions check out these links:
WICKED 10th Anniversary Cruise Launches November 3 

Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth Smile Big For New WICKED Reunion Photo 

WICKED Chat: Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel Talk Rumored Rivalry, Tonys, & More

BWW TV Exclusive: BACKSTAGE WITH RICHARD RIDGE - WICKED 10th Anniversary Special with Leading Ladies Lindsey Mendez & Alli Mauzey!