Merry Deception in ‘Ideal Husband’

“An Ideal Husband” abounds with Oscar Wilde’s famous epigrams, but that’s the only thing separating it from a run of comedies penned in the playwright’s day. That it is one of the better examples goes without saying.

It involves the usual misunderstood social arrangements, the surprise discovery of important letters and the standard bevy of titled characters. Much of the discussion centers on the intrigues and joys, or lack thereof, in marriage. The play is tightly plotted and intended for a high style of acting.

The plot revolves around the young, handsome Lord Goring (Dean Edwards), a charming ne’er-do-well, and Mrs. Cheveley (Kathleen Chapin), an adventuress in possession of one of those surprise documents, which incriminates Goring’s friend Sir Robert Chiltern for a youthful breach of ethics.

It’s too complicated to detail here, but the Wildean game-playing en route to resolution is lively, insightful and a glorious example of what theater was like when it was meant only as entertainment.

Most of the large cast appears only in the opening party scene, which is marked by the uneven abilities of the supporting actors, such as Christine Korenak as Mrs. Marchmont and Heather McGee as Lady Basildon. Both overdid it with outrageous British accents.

Once this group is gone, however, director Darlene Hunter-Chaffee finds surer ground, and her staging comes to life. The rhythms are sometimes a bit sluggish, but the overall feel is right.

The strongest and most authentic performance is Chapin’s conniving Cheveley. Her accent is subtle and impeccable, and she has that rare ability to charm while being totally unscrupulous. Edwards’ Goring is as light as a feather, whether fencing with Cheveley, to whom he was once engaged, or fending off his officious father, who insists that the lazy son marry at once.

*

Rowland Kerr, as the father, the Earl of Coversham, is excellent in his pompous befuddlement, and Kathy Davis scores as the portly, pushy Lady Markby, a performance hinting at but not copying Dame Edith Evans. Michael Langley starts out a bit too self-effacing as Chiltern but picks up energy and depth as he goes along. As his naive and purposeful wife, Lady Chiltern, Kelly Herman brings charm and sparkle to a role that demands it.

Chiltern’s sister Mabel is a dangerous role, easily overplayed, and Catherine Domareki avoids all the stumbling blocks, effervescent and adorable enough to make Goring’s eventual proposal logical and loving. In a small role as Goring’s opaque and trusty butler Phipps, Bob Chaffee almost steals his scenes with Goring, proving that “Yes, sir” can be read in many ways, each getting a well-deserved laugh.

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* “An Ideal Husband,” Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee June 22, 2 p.m. Ends June 28. $10-$15. (562) 494-1616. Running time: 2 hours, 55 minutes.

Kathleen Chapin: Mrs. Cheveley

Dean Edwards: Lord Goring

Michael Langley: Sir Robert Chiltern

Kelly Herman: Lady Chiltern

Catherine Domareki: Mabel Chiltern

Rowland Kerr: Earl of Coversham

Kathy Davis: Lady Markby

Bob Chaffee: Phipps

Heather McGee: Lady Basildon

Christine Korenak: Mrs. Marchmont

A Long Beach Playhouse production of Oscar Wilde’s comedy. Directed by Darlene Hunter-Chaffee. Scenic-lighting design: John H. Nokes. Costume design: Donna Fritsche. Sound design: Darlene and Robert Chaffee. Stage manager: Robert Rainey.