No Dogs in the Kitchen, a young company on Chicago's storefront scene, is performing Oscar Wilde’s famous comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, at the Facility Theatre. Leaning hard on the satire of the English upper class, No Dogs’ production will have its audience roaring with laughter.
Jack Worthing (Garrett Wiegel) and Algernon Moncrieff (Gus Thomas) adopt false identities to escape social obligations while pursuing the affections of Gwendolen Fairfax (Michaela Voit) and Cecily Cardew (Jasmine Luethy). Through mistaken identities, disapproving relatives, and unexpected revelations, Oscar Wilde's 130-year-old comedy remains a masterclass in farce.
Co-artistic director Geneviere Corkery excels in directing slapstick comedy and physical movement to Wilde’s play. She mixes the play with parody, pratfalls, and spit takes, which offer laughs throughout the run time. Corkery rounds up a phenomenal cast that matches the comedic genius of Wilde. Wiegel and Thomas complement each other perfectly as comedic foils. Wiegel's exaggerated physical comedy is balanced by Thomas's understated enjoyment of the chaos, expressed through consistently excellent facial reactions. Voit plays Gwendolen as a poised, sophisticated lady whose subtle timing and comedic scenes are a delight to watch.
At the performance I attended, the role of Cecily Cardew was played by understudy Meg Crawford. The company has a commendable practice of giving its understudies at least two scheduled performances during the production’s run. Crawford makes the most of the opportunity, delivering a charming performance that captures Cecily’s seemingly innocent demeanor while allowing her spirited, fiery side to emerge at just the right moments.
The two actors who really steal the show are Mitch Karmis (Lane/Merriman) and David Lovejoy (Lady Bracknell). Pulling double duty as Algernon’s valet and Jack Worthing’s country butler, Karmis switches seamlessly between two completely distinct characters. As Lane, he is poised and impeccably proper; as Merriman, he is wonderfully cartoonish, carrying himself like Cecily’s best friend rather than her butler. The contrast is a delight, and it is clear Karmis is having a blast with both roles. Lovejoy, meanwhile, steals the show in the best possible way as an unhinged Lady Bracknell. Fully embracing the role’s larger-than-life absurdity, ze turns nearly every entrance into a comic event and earns some of the biggest laughs of the night.
The Importance of Being Earnest's creative team delivers exceptional work across the board. Scenic designers Tom Fitzmaurice and Lilly Caines create a remarkably versatile set that transitions seamlessly from a grand city mansion to a picturesque country garden. Emma Millsor’s all-white costume design gives the production a striking visual identity while allowing each actor’s performance and personality to shine. Eli Green’s lighting, Grace Patterson’s sound design, and Alex Wiegel’s original music work in harmony to heighten the production’s comic energy. Together, these design elements reinforce the play’s satirical wit and help create a cohesive, delightfully theatrical world.
No Dogs in the Kitchen has crafted a delightful evening of theater that understands exactly what makes Wilde's comedy endure. Filled with memorable performances, inventive design, and nonstop laughs, this production is a joyous celebration of one of theater's sharpest satires. Whether you're revisiting The Importance of Being Earnest or experiencing it for the first time, this production is well worth the trip.
No Dogs in the Kitchen will perform The Importance of Being Earnest until July 26 at the Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. The run time is two hours without an intermission. Tickets ($35 for adults, $25 for students/seniors) and information are found on the company’s website.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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