A true cast of characters

The dazzling command of language that earned Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” a place among the greatest stage comedies of all time can also be its greatest liability. The temptation -- to which too many productions succumb -- is to let Wilde’s witty dialogue become the focus, under the assumption that it sells itself.

The real challenge in staging “Earnest” -- beyond competent handling of accents and manners -- is to find the flesh-and-blood cores of characters who, as proper products of Victorian society, use words more often to conceal their true selves than they do to express them.

Michael Addison’s thoughtful staging for Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company, while not perfect, is well above the norm in this regard, starting with two pairs of romantic leads who are refreshingly not mirror opposites of one another, despite the symmetries in the plot.

Addison’s staging aims for fully differentiated characters and sports some strikingly original interpretations while still remaining true to the play’s historical context.

In the most novel performance, Joseph Fuqua’s quirky, conflicted Jack explores the consequences of living a double life. Unlike his fellow decadent aristocrat, Algernon (Brian McDonald) -- for whom deception is an exhilarating game -- Fuqua’s Jack is frustrated at having to play responsible guardian to his lovely ward Cecily (Carolyn A. Palmer) in the country, while, in the city, he’s wooing Algy’s cousin Gwendolyn (Johanna McKay) under the guise of Ernest, the brother he’s invented.

There’s a world-weary longing in Jack that raises the emotional stakes in his pursuit of Gwendolyn and also reflects critically on the societal games he’s so good at playing. His confession to Algy that “I am sick to death of cleverness” is laced with self-loathing rather than superficial petulance. Fuqua’s performance never lacks for laughs, however -- his doleful entrance in mourning for his deceased “brother,” unaware that in the next room Algy is masquerading as Ernest to woo Cecily, is a masterpiece of comic timing.

It’s easy to assume from their quips and bonhomie that Algy and Jack are friends from the outset. They’re not -- they’re calculated allies of convenience who manipulate each other to get what they want, and though it’s far more engaging to show them in this light very few productions get it entirely right. This one comes closer than most, particularly in Fuqua’s pained distaste for using Algy to get to Gwendolyn, but the air of genuine camaraderie still lingers.

McKay’s Gwendolyn is equally a revelation. Even in outward demeanor, she’s no subservient daughter capitulating to the whims of Lady Bracknell (a plum role played to perfection by an imperious and particularly spirited Susan Clark).

In Algernon, unfortunately, McDonald has difficulty finding more than a stereotypical fop. Without showing the underlying contempt for the perverted values of his own class that fuels Algy’s pranks, the role is diminished to one of mere indulgence and gratification. McDonald’s performance gains conviction in the second act, however, when Cecily enters the picture -- their scenes together have a heartfelt sweetness that brings some much-needed emotional depth and sympathy to Algy.

Palmer’s flawless portrayal of Cecily is essential in steering that relationship with her girlish prattle, her excitement at entering the forbidden world of her guardian’s wayward brother, and her vulnerable uncertainty at just the right moments. Her daintiness also contrasts and complements the blunt force in McKay’s Gwendolyn, and their careening between catty bickering and lifelong friendship is a delight to watch.

While capable, the supporting cast (Patricia Cullen, Philip Davidson, Robert “Doc” Reynolds) adds little originality to their functional roles -- the innovations are all in the leads.

*

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

Where: Laurel Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura

When: Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.

Ends: March 28

Price: $25 to $45

Contact: (805) 667-2900

Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes