Glenbard West brings Oscar Wilde to the stage
A long-ago insider trading secret that leads to unbelievable wealth comes back to haunt a politician.
Is it a modern-day stock market scheme?
Hardly, but it is the basis for Oscar Wilde's "An Ideal Husband" set in Victorian England. Glenbard West High School students are tackling the classic high-brow comedy in performances through Saturday night.
During a dinner party at the home of an up-and coming politician and his appearance-focused-wife, a woman from his past dredges up his dirty laundry. In exchange for keeping secret about documents proving he invested in the Suez Canal days before it was purchased based on an inside tip, they want him to persuade Parliament to back a scam, explained Glenbard West teacher Mike Fox.
His wife, determined the politician should make "An Ideal Husband," pushes him into decisions that she believes will enhance his image, without knowing the full back story.
In the end, it all comes down to a key decision: Will he let his secret become exposed and stand up for what is right?
Fox said they chose the play knowing the presidential election season would be in full swing. Even though the time period and country are different, potential wheelings and dealings in political life remain the same, he said.
"An Ideal Husband"
What: An Oscar Wilde drama encompassing the themes of political corruption, unreasonable expectations, and blackmail
Where: Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Cost: $6
Details: (630) 469-8600
Cast
Michael Holding - Sir Robert Chiltern
Calvin Studzinski - Phipps
Margot Mache - Lady Chiltern
Ana Rojas - Lady Basildon
Spencer Steevensz - Lord Goring
Mitch Conti - Mason
Claire Meyers - Mabel Chiltern
Melissa Zelko - Lady Markby
Devin Hartwig - Mrs. Cheveley
Pat Boylan - Mr. Montford
Andrew Van Gorp - Vicomte de Nanjac
George Dallman - Mr. Barford
Joe Sinopoli - Lord Caversham
Phoebe Borkowski - Mrs. Barford
Jessica Lauer - Mrs. Marchmont
Katie Wesolowski - The Dutchess of Maryborough
Max Fischer - Tommy Traford
Parks Payton - Harold