by Louis Kuhn
Las Vegas Daily Optic
Friday, July 7, 1950
The Drama Department of New Mexico Highlands University presented its version of Victorian Oscar Wilde's brilliant comedy, "The Importance of Being Earnest," last evening in the Adele Ilfeld Auditorium. The Play will be repeated this evening at 8:15 p.m.
A word or two must be said about the play itself. As has been said, it is a comedy of manners. In addition to this, it is a comedy of sparkling, brilliant wit. The plot of the play does not call for comment. It is almost negligible. The line, reproducing the stylized and incisive wit of the author, is the important part of the comedy. If the people viewing this work never have read or seen a play of Oscar Wilde, they have an amazing, gay evening before them. In order to present Wilde's comedy, a highly stylized method of acting must be used to project the will of the author. The pace of the production must be rapid. In both of these respects, this production is eminently successful.
Under the direction of Richard L. O'Connell, the new director of the players, many of the actors have matured considerably. Mr. O'Connell's first production easily demonstrats his ability as a director. Las Vegas audiences can expect an exciting series of well-produced plays this coming season.
Joe Allen Hardy as Algernon Moncrief manages beautifully to keep the pace of the play moving. His performance is outstanding as he has captured the style of the production and never varies from it. Carolla O'Connell (Mrs. Richard L. O'Connell) as Lady Augusta Bracknell gives more than ample proof of her several years experience with the Pasadena Playhouse. She is also to be credited with the excellent diction of the rest of the cast. In the role of the Honorable Gwendolyn Fairfax, Mari Gallegos gives an excellent portrayal of that viciously sweet and clever character. Mention must also be made of Yolande Courtright. Miss Courtright last appeared on the stage in the role of the girl in "Merton of the Movies." Those who see her in "The Importance of Being Earnest" will be delighted in her portrayal of Cecily Cardew. Her stage presence and interpretation have matured a great deal in the period of a few short weeks. George Nason as John Worthing, Phyllis Compton as Miss Prism, and Wright Putney as the Reverend Canon Chasuble all give excellent performances. The two butlers, as portrayed by John Cohee and Claude Stephens emerge as two completely different but equally enjoyable servants.
The settings, as the program notes, are intended to suggest the elements of the various locales. They are most attractive. Credit here must be given to the Stagecraft Class and the many townspeople who have give so generously of their furnishings.
It is suggested that those who go to see the play arrive a bit early so that the program notes can be read before curtain time. They are invaluable of the style of the production.