Timeless Themes and Holiday Magic in Acting Out's 'An Ideal Husband'

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong relationship - Oscar Wilde.

Acting Out Theatre Company performed Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. First written in 1895, the play is a social satire that follows Sir Robert Chiltern, a successful politician whose career and marriage are jeopardized when a scheming woman threatens to expose him. With the help of his friend, Lord Goring, Chiltern must navigate moral dilemmas.

An Ideal Husband reminds us of the enduring relevance of Oscar Wilde’s commentary on romance and politics. Acting Out Theatre Company did an impressive job with this complex story. The play examines what it means to be an “ideal” partner and the challenges of living up to societal expectations.

The cast for An Ideal Husband featured talented actors. This dialogue-heavy play showcased the ensemble’s exceptional skills and mastery of memorization. The actors dedicated countless hours to analyzing the story’s themes, dynamics, and relationships.

Carlos Sequera plays Robert Chiltern, a man whose life is threatened by past blunders. Sequera depicted Chiltern’s internal conflict with apt precision. Opposite him, Troy D’Angelo-Lombardi is comical and witty as Lord Goring. He may not be the brightest bulb, but Lord Goring is a confidant and moral compass to other characters.

The play has a strong female ensemble. Brinn Kingsley-Marquez (Mrs. Chevely), Lauren Dumont (Mabel Chiltern), Katie Smolinski (Lady Chiltern), and Jude Jennings (Lady Markby) were remarkable as cunning and sophisticated women.

The scene where the women's quartet comes together in Act 1’s climax reveals the intricate power and veiled animosities that drive the play’s social satire. It’s a humorous scene as the women pass subtle insults to each other. It was my favorite scene.

The ensemble is equally strong, proving no small part exists in theater. Cory Alan’s performance as Lord Caversham is a standout, infusing his scenes with a comedic limp and an endearing gruffness that earned hearty laughs from the audience. Each supporting actor brings depth and individuality to their roles, ensuring audiences remain engaged.

Director Eden Ross has a heartfelt passion for An Ideal Husband, her favorite Oscar Wilde play. She resonated with the story’s themes and related to the character’s dilemmas. Every scene was directed and staged well, capturing the play’s humor and emotional depth.

Since the production was performed in December, Ross decided to set the play around the holidays. Acting Out Theatre’s stage was bursting with vibrant Christmas energy, from a decorated tree, holiday galore, and fancy clothing.

One of the greatest parts about theater is reinventing new imagination. The holiday backdrop highlights the warmth and joy of the tension between the characters. Thanks to the tech hands who designed a beautiful set, they also created light cues and beautiful costumes

Oscar Wilde’s themes are still relevant today. As Ross remarked, “Wilde’s play invites us to learn from the past and find joy in the present.” Romance is an ideal theme in the play. The play critiques the unrealistic ideals often imposed on love and marriage through its characters.

The purpose of marriage has evolved since the publication of this play, and I interpret Wilde’s play as a challenge to reconsider what ‘ideal’ means. It reminds us that true love is built on understanding and forgiveness. Additionally, self-love is also important to ensure a healthy and balanced partnership.

I always pay attention to the audience's reaction in any show. Wilde is known for his sharp humor to which some dialogue transpired giggles from audiences.

Well done to Acting Out Theatre Company’s performance of An Ideal Husband. It’s important to continue to do these shows, especially for their relevance to Wilde’s themes.