Importance of Being Earnest and Force of Nature

Theater season is full swing at last and I'm dizzy with the options. We went to see Cal Shakes' production of "The Importance of Being Earnest." Lots of fun -- but how could you go wrong with Oscar Wilde. The modern sensibilities of his offhanded wit never cease to amaze me.

Jonathan Moscone has conceived a very pretty although spare rendition, which allows for focus on the play itself. The drawing room furnishings at the beginning of the play suggest a comfortably Turkish atmosphere which the actors use for a few additional laughs.

The evening are perfect for being out in the Orinda hills late now. I couldn't help but enjoy the stars, which were beautifully clear that night.

The next night I took the trek to Walnut Creek to catch Playhouse West's "Force of Nature" at the Lesher Center. It wasn't the greatest text, or the most imaginative of situations (Do we have any control over the people we fall in love with?) In fact, in my opinion, the play itself lacked lyricism, even as the actors worked so hard to put it across. I did enjoy seeing Gary Martinez, who played Mittler, again. He had made an impact in Willow Theatre's "Solid Gold Cadillac as McKeever, and it was nice to see him in a drama.