Ryan Childers and Nikki Visel in An Ideal Husband. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Should a mistake in your early years taint your whole life? What do you do when you find out you’ve been living in a land constructed by your own definition of reality?

Could you handle your past sins coming to light?

Oscar Wilde’s “An Ideal Husband” is a story of power, sin, and humanity. It is also full of fun, frivolity and just a touch of intrigue.

Taproot does a fabulous job on the play.  The costumes are incredible and very impressive – perhaps the best I’ve seen.  Taproot again showcases their gift with minimal stage props.

The actors, as always, were fabulous. One of the best things about this play was the lack of overacting. Many of the actors seemed muted from other plays I’ve seen them in, and it was absolutely perfect.  Sometimes when you see the same actor over and over, you tend to notice a pattern. Taproot’s actors are digging deeper and improving their craft as they continue to learn new roles and entertain those of us who are excellent arm-chair critics. (Tongue definitely in cheek).

Here are some of the fun surprises:

Nikki Visel (Mrs. Chevely) is really impressive in her ability to dig deep.  She doesn’t flag her character, but lest the story unfold.  She is turning out to be an actress with depth.

Aaron Lamb (Lord Goring) is my favorite this time around, playing a dandy with depth, switching back and forth with ease.  Aaron delivers lines of wisdom and humor with the same depth and believability.

Aaron Lamb and Joe Monroe in An Ideal Husband. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.

As always, Ryan Childers (Sir Robert Chiltern) and Nolan Palmer (Lord Caversham) are fun, convincing, and delightful.

Joe Monroe (Mr. Montford/Phipps) gets the best supporting actor.  His role as the butler is fun! I would love to see him in a more extensive role.

Anne Kennedy Brady (Mabel Chiltern) and Candace Vance (Lady Chiltern) play the ladies quite well. Anne has muted her acting a bit, and the result is that her characters feel like they aren’t just bubble heads, but people of depth. I found myself waiting for words of wisdom to pour out of her mouth.  Candace plays a difficult role that was superbly written.  She begins as a bit frothy with absolutely moral character – perhaps almost two dimensional.  She ends by overcoming an abrupt encounter with reality and gaining depth in the process.

This is the second play I’ve seen Simon Pringle (Viconte de Nanjac/James Mason) in as a backup player. I look forward to watching his ability and stage time grow.  From the little I’ve seen, he is able to hold his own.

So, an evening, surrounded by beautiful costumes, a relaxing atmosphere, a story that will entertain while it makes you think…what more could you ask for?

You can buy your tickets at Taproot’s website, or from their box office.