THEATER REVIEW:

Those who cringed at Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Truman Capote a few years ago should have been present a century before when Oscar Wilde was thrusting his acid-tipped slings and arrows at contemporary society.

The movies and television weren’t around, of course, but Wilde employed the printed word to gain Capote-like measures of fame and infamy in his brief 46 years on this planet. Five years before his death in 1900, he introduced the world to his most enduring treatise, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

On one hand a featherweight comedy, on the other a stinging diatribe against English society of the late 19th century, “Earnest” is a banquet for admirers of the well-spoken word. And Wilde’s words currently are being particularly well spoken at South Coast Repertory.

Behind all the requisite foppish pomp and mannerisms, Wilde’s script contains some of the most appetizing slices of dialogue actors are likely to encounter.

SCR’s handsome production, splendidly directed by Warner Shook, amplifies these lines and renders them most palatable to today’s audiences.

“Earnest” centers on a pair of London bachelors, both apparently well enough off to be free of employment constraints, who set their caps for a pair of attractive young ladies — each of whom envisions being enjoined to a fellow named Earnest.

Coincidentally enough, that’s the pseudonym one of them has chosen to use whenever he’s “in town.”

Michael Gotch excels at interpreting Algernon, the more flamboyant of the two. His character is Wilde’s speaking voice, and his movements and mannerisms evoke the author’s reputed style — particularly in his airborne attempts to sit or recline during an exposition-packed initial scene.

As his more practical friend, Jack, Tommy Schrider, must play straight man to Gotch’s farcical flouncing, but he accomplishes this nicely. Schrider enjoys his particular moment in the sun late in the closing sequence while tying the story’s loose threads together.

At the core of any production of “Earnest” is its Lady Bracknell, Algernon’s aunt, who wields regal authority over both men’s fates.

Here Kandis Chappell brilliantly asserts herself with a vocal dominance and comedic delivery that recalls the richness of a Hermione Gingold. It’s an admirable rendering of a commanding character.

The young men’s sweethearts, Gwendolen and Cecily (whose names later would pop up as the Pigeon sisters in Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple”), are portrayed with alacrity by Christine Marie Brown and Elise Hunt, respectively. Brown projects a strong societal fiber while Hunt is quite precious as a dreamy damsel.

SCR regulars Richard Doyle and John-David Keller — with about 75 years of company service between them — shine in supporting assignments. Doyle projects a wacky appeal as a somewhat dotty clergyman, while Keller get his comic licks in as the servants of both young men, virtually unrecognizable in his “younger” incarnation. Amelia White giddily completes the picture as the spinster who helps unravel a question of parentage.

The elegant dual settings of Michael Olich and the elaborate costuming of Nephelie Andonyadis lend atmospheric appeal.

Whether “The Importance of Being Earnest” still retains its importance is for playgoers to decide. However, South Coast Repertory’s elaborately witty production presents a strong case for the Wilde side.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Importance of Being Earnest”

WHERE: South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

WHEN: 7:30 or 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays until March 9

COST: $28-$62

CALL: (714) 708-5555

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.