Wilde Farce Features Tony Chase in Lady Bracknell Role

When the Casting Hall production of the Oscar Wilde farce The Importance of Being Earnest opens Thursday, March 12, an unexpected element should provide an added dose of humor. Anthony Chase, assistant dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, is among the cast of nine actors, assuming the role of the haughty dowager Lady Bracknell.

“The play works well for a college theater because most of the characters are in their teens and 20s—except for Lady Bracknell, who also is extremely articulate and pompous and in complete denial of her shortcomings,” said Donn Youngstrom, associate professor of theater and the play’s director. “This would be hard for a college student to pull off, but I thought Tony could do it beautifully.”

First performed in London in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedy of manners in which Wilde pokes fun at the superficiality of Victorians. In one scene, Lady Bracknell asks her daughter’s suitor if he knows everything or nothing. Taking a guess at what she wants to hear replies “nothing,” to which she responds, “I am glad to hear it. I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance.”

Historically, many theater companies have used a male in the Bracknell role, said Chase, who also serves as the longtime theater editor for Artvoice and co-host of WBFO’s “Theater Talk.”

“It has been a delight to play her and to be able to collaborate with a troupe of talented young actors,” he said. As for the students, all of whom are theater majors, it’s been a switch to see Chase as a comic actor rather than an administrator who advises their academic careers or a professor who teaches them the finer points of dramaturgy and script analysis.

“Tony has been a good role model for the cast,” said Youngstrom. “”In general, all of the actors have met the challenge of pulling off a very verbal comedy.”

To fully depict the era, costume designer Ann Emo and costume technician Erica Fire created elaborate outfits, including a a tailored-made dress, low-heeled shoes, a wig, and a plumed hat for Lady Bracknell.

“Learning to walk in the heels has been the biggest challenge,” Chase said with a smile.

In recent years, Chase has been offered other roles in the Buffalo theater community, only a few of which he’s been able to accept due to his teaching and reviewing schedule.

“It’s been gratifying. Being in a play reminds you of the craft and the process,” he said. “As a critic, you look at the finished product, not thinking about the obstacles actors go through to get there.”

Ultimately, he said his favorite theater spot is in the audience. But for a few weeks, he will have a turn in the spotlight— heels, plumed hat, and all.

Performances will be held March 12–14 and March 17–20 at 8:00 p.m. and March 14 at 2:00 p.m. in Upton Hall's Warren Enters Theatre. Tickets are $6 for Buffalo State students; $10 for seniors and Buffalo State faculty, staff, and alumni; and $15 for the general public. Purchase tickets in person at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, online, or by calling (716) 878-3005.