THEATER REVIEW : Oscar Wilde’s Witty Dialogue Not Dulled by Time, Translation : Spanish-language version of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ maintains playwright’s verbal ripostes.

In 1894, before the incisive quips of Oscar Levant, Groucho Marx, and the droll exchanges between P.G. Wodehouse’s upper crust fop, Bertie Wooser and his noble archetypal butler, Jeeves, Irish playwright Oscar Wilde wrote his final and most popular play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

And last weekend’s performance of “La Importancia de Llamarse Ernesto,” in Spanish by the Oxnard-based Teatro de las Americas proved that Wilde’s genius and sparkling language is alive and well a century later in another language.

Under Christina Aerenlund’s direction, the nine-member cast has successfully translated (in every sense) Wilde’s witty dialogue from page to stage--no mean feat considering the basis of his comedy is pithy repartee and sententious badinage concerning human nature and society.

Only minor adjustments in body language, names and topical allusions have been made to make the play more accessible to a Latino audience. And Spanish-speakers should have no trouble enjoying Wilde’s verbal ripostes realized in this well-executed production where elocution and enunciation are crucial to “apreciar al meollo” (savor to the marrow) the author’s humor.

The action still takes place in Algernon’s salon and later at Ernest/Jack’s country house, although the place is now turn-of-the century Mexico rather than England. And topical references have been adjusted. The comedy’s plot revolves around misunderstanding and an absurd preference for appearances rather than substance. But Wilde does not depend on frenetic farcical confusion. Instead, the play and this production is well-paced to permit the audience to savor every syllable of the frothy nonsense.

According to Wilde’s aesthetics, often the aim of a work of art is decorative--the subject matter irrelevant--and the works’ intention is to evoke pleasure in the perceiver. Despite budgetary constraints, the cast has created a set that effectively evokes the period. And the colorful wardrobe supplied by Chameleon Costumes of Ventura is a visual delight.

Marcus Clayton (Ernest/Jack) and Armando Ramirez (Algernon) are perfectly cast as incipient dandies. Pat Casiano is a fine Gwendolyn. Lourdes Solorzano plays the ingenue, Cecilia, with depth. Irma Stewart’s governess Senora Prisma is an entertaining foil to the clergyman, Casulla, creditably portrayed by newcomer Richard Harnden. Pouring tea with aplomb are butlers, Salvador Sandoval and Rigoberto Guizar. And Margarita Cortese is a scene-stealer as the matronly Dona Agustina.

Despite Aerenlund’s wise decision to combine Acts II and III, the production including intermission runs over 2 1/2 enjoyable hours. And though it is suitable for the family, the urbane dialogue, intrigue, static action and length might not hold the attention of the preteen set.

But this production is a laudable effort and worthy of community support.

Details

* WHAT: “La Importancia de Llamarse Ernesto,” the Spanish-language version of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

* WHEN: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

* WHERE: Plaza Players Theatre, 34 N. Palm St., Ventura.

* HOW MUCH: $7 for adults, $5 for students.

* FYI: Tickets will also be available at the door 30 minutes before curtain. For reservations or further information, call (805) 984-3222 or 643-9460.