Sometimes you desperately need something to bring a laugh or distract you enough to allow you to let go of whatever has been troubling you, even if only for a couple hours. Lakewood Playhouse's production of The Importance of Being Earnest does all of that. Oscar Wilde's 118-year-old script is as smart and fresh now as when it debuted in London. While director Marilyn Bennett had a fantastic play to work with, her direction of the cast and crew of the quick paced, witty script was flawless.

The cast was perfectly matched to their roles and as an ensemble. Everyone embodied their characters perfectly and their timing, accents, and expression were impeccable. It is impossible to say which (if any) actors were better than the other as they were a true ensemble and worked to bring the script to life. "In matters of importance, style not sincerity is the vital thing." Thankfully, all actors managed both.

Read Joann Varnell's full review of The Importance of Being Earnest in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through July 14, Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW, $18-$24, 253-5880042