Ideal Husband, An

“Love is greater than ambition,” proclaims a character in Oscar Wilde’s 1895 comedy, An Ideal Husband. Whether that statement is true or false takes the audience on an invigorating and devilishly funny journey through “society” and politics in the late 1890s.

How amazing to think, more than 100 years later, that some of the same political chicanery is playing out before our very eyes between the Republicans and Democrats. In an election year, An Ideal Husband resonates more than usual.

However, Wilde’s play is set in London, so the scandals all play out within the walls of Parliament. And the political aspect is only a foil for the main story, regarding whether a long-term married couple can weather a stormy stretch.

The husband is played by David Daniel, who recently appeared at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre in Athol Fugard’s The Train Driver. Daniel does the most with a character that is mostly one-dimensional. That doesn’t detract from his character’s intriguing past. It turns out he committed a major crime (unnoticed) when he was in his 20s. Although he has regretted his actions ever since, to reveal the truth will not only send him to jail, it will end his promising political career. He hasn’t even shared this soiled part of his past to his wife (an effervescent Coleen Madden). She openly adores her husband mainly, she says, because of his integrity and honesty. So the strength of the marriage also will be tested.

In crafting such a situation, Wilde forces all women to consider whether “an ideal husband” is preferable to a more flawed, human one. In this case, the “ideal” Sir Robert (Daniel) is so torn by this predicament that he fears losing his wife above all else. Wilde’s play also begs the question of whether an essentially good man is allowed to fall and not be punished for it the rest of his life.

The play opens in the Chilterns’s lavish home. Complications arise with the arrival of an unwelcome guest: Mrs. Cheveley (Tracy Michelle Arnold). Although she follows society’s etiquette faultlessly, Mrs. Cheveley discreetly makes it known that she has a past with one of the other guests, a much younger Lord Goring (Marcus Truschinski). She also holds Robert’s secret, which was told to her by a mutual acquaintance. She would love nothing more than to spill the beans and thus wreck the life of Lady Gertrude, an old schoolmate.

It seems that Truchinski is determined to have as much fun with his role (a cad) as possible. Not only does he spend a great deal of time offstage changing costumes (at least five), he delivers the most scathing lines with effortless glee. By mid-play, the audience is ready to smack the Cheshire cat-smile off his handsome face.

Lord Goring’s supposed indifference results in endless needling from his father, Lord Caversham (Jonathan Smoots). He chides his son for being selfish and lazy, although the audience (and a few of the characters) know that Truschinski comes through more than once on behalf of his friends.

The play’s witty dialogue is delivered superbly under the direction of Milwaukee director/actor Laura Gordon. Wilde (who also wrote The Important of Being Earnest) skewers society in the distinctive way that only Wilde can manage. Gordon’s direction brings out the element of people who must live and make peace with their past, while also looking ahead to the future.

Other noteworthy performances are given by Jade Payton as Mabel Chiltern, the delightfully smart and sassy daughter of Sir Robert and Gertrude; and Greta Oglesby and Cristina Panfilio as a pair of society ladies who round out an excellent cast.

The actors may have sparsely designed sets to work with on the outdoor stage, but An Ideal Husband provides a glittering array of fabulous costumes and accessories. In order to get a closer look at the exquisitely tailored Victorian outfits, characters often sweep past the audience on their way up and down the aisles. Also, a beautifully orchestrated dance sequence precedes several set changes. Actors – scattered throughout the stage – move in unison like figures on a jewelry box, to the tune of a waltz or other period music. The overall effect is positively mesmerizing.