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The Importance of Being Earnest

Where’s Earnest? Reviewed by Sandi Laird The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, is an 1895 classic set in Victorian England and written by the Oscar Wilde. It is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time with its clever premise, sly wit, and double entendres. The Grand Theatre’s production is all those things and more. The performers are well cast. James Daly is a standout as Algernon Moncrieff. He owns the stage and appears in most scenes of the two-and-a-half-hour show. Daly as Algernon is handsome, smooth, devilish, amusing. He moves with fluidity delivering his lines with tongue firmly in cheek. It was a joy to watch him slyly reveal his queer side in an era that did not openly acknowledge such qualities. The entire cast, under the deft direction of Alistair Newton, radiates. Julien Galipeau as the lovesick John Worthing (AKA Earnest) was a less showy character but never-the-less manages to stand toe to toe with Daly. Claire Julien as Lady Bracknell demands your attention. She is the forceful Victoria mother who guards her daughter’s future with lofty standards and iron-willed authority. Newton, making his directing debut in London, adds two new elements for our viewing pleasure. Billy Lake is Lady Stella Clinton, (AKA Ernest Boulton) a queer trailblazer and an actual historical figure, who delights the audience with a pair of musical numbers by Gilbert and Sullivan. To open the play, Newton offers a short vignette on “The Language of Fans” – the hand-held cooling devices, not the appreciative audience members.  Newton’s information introduces the modern audience to the subtle messages Victorian ladies used to convey their moods, gain attention, and send signals to those nearby. Closed and resting on left ear: “Go away.”  Shutting slowly: “I will marry you.” The combined ...
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Mary's Musings

Capitol Theatre Reveals their 2026 Casting 

Some of Canada’s best talent will be on stage at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre this year. Here are the four popular shows appearing on the main stage, with a sneak peek of the casts.   You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – May 15 – 31, 2026  Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer. Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Directed and choreographed by Rob Kempson, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown features Amir Haidar in the title role, with Jillian Mitsuko Cooper as Sally, AP Bautista as Lucy Van Pelt, Matt Pilipiak as Snoopy, Kyle Golemba as Schroeder, and Ben Kopp as Linus Van Pelt. Life, love, baseball—and an opinionated dog named Snoopy. Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical comedy chronicles the adventures of Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang. Winner of two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. Kyle Golemba, Jillian Mitsuko Cooper, Amir Haidar, Ben Kopp, AP Bautista. Photo by Sam Moffatt Liars at a Funeral – June 12 – 28, 2026 By Sophia Fabiilli June 12 – 28, 2026 Directed by Aaron Jan, Liars at a Funeral features Aidan deSalaiz, Carolyn Fe, Ericka Leobrera, Jane Luk, and Gregory Solomon. Grief has never been so hilarious! When an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive! Gregory Solomon, Aidan deSalaiz, Jane Luk, Ericka Leobrera. Photo by Sam Moffatt Come From Away – July 10 – August 2, 2026 Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein Music Direction by Jeff Newberry Choreography by Genny Sermonia Directed by Rob Kempson, and featuring live music performed by the company, the Capitol’s production of Come From ...
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