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Carole Mikita ReportingPioneer Theatre Company opens its season with a twist on a classic play. ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is one most students read, but few have ever seen the production done this way -- one of Utah's best-known and favorite actors is donning a dress.
The audience could not wait for the entrance, knowing that behind the lavender and lace, the wig and the wicked temperament stands Max Robinson.
Max Robinson, "The Importance of Being Earnest: "People always say, 'Well, are you investigating your feminine side?' and I say, ‘Well the paradox is, I'm really investigating part of my masculine side here.’”
Robinson plays Lady Bracknell, one of the most memorable characters in Oscar Wilde's comedy ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. Casting him as her, the artistic director felt would be an audience pleaser.
Robinson says, along with the quality of acting and directing at Pioneer Theatre Company, he hopes audiences don't overlook the beautiful lighting, costumes and the richness of this set.
Max Robinson: "Applause for a curtain going up 'cause immediately the audience senses the quality of what they are to experience for the next two hours. Just look around you here, I wanna live in this. I wanna take it and put it someplace and live in it."
"The Importance of Being Earnest" opened last night at Pioneer Memorial Theatre at the University of Utah and runs through October 2nd.
