AN IDEAL HUSBAND

Shaun MacLaughlin's direction of this Wilde play strives for an effective dramatic reading, rather than a fully realized radio-drama production with sound effects and atmospheric music.The production uses a narrator (Michael Drew) to read the stage directions, a choice that works well here. As principal characters arrive at a dinner party, the narration distinguishes them by including Wilde's witty, discerning observations. Such directorial emphasis calls attention to Wilde's brilliant dialogue and the strong performances. Derek Jacobi plays Sir Robert Chiltern, a rising politician who seeks to retaliate against his blackmailer, Mrs. Cheveley, played by Jane Lapotaire. Their coy battle of wits benefits from MacLaughlin's slow pacing. G.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]