Playwright, Composer, and Lyricist
Steven D. Miller
The Impotence of Ernest Bean
3m, 3w
1m 50s, 2m 20s; 1w 50s, 2w 20s
The Impotence of Ernest Bean takes as its inspiration The Importance of Being Earnest, moving the action into a single setting (the visiting room of the Tate Street Men's Club), consolidating the action into two acts (rather than three), and streamlining the cast to six (two sets of young lovers, a servant, and Lady Davenport).
Country heir Ernest has returned Celia's dropped handkerchief before their official introduction, and the whiff of scandal has reached the nose of Celia's mother, Lady Davenport. Before and after dinner at the men's club, the unpredictable Lady Davenport alternately aids and prevents the courtship of Celia by Ernest, with the assistance of Jack (Ernest's city friend) and Glenwyn (Lady Davenport's ward), who have a contentiously romantic relationship themselves.
A light comedy in the style of Oscar Wilde, The Impotence of Ernest Bean masks a marginally risqué content in the highly circumspect language of the 1890's. Despite the highly idiosyncratic behavior of Lady Davenport, a happy ending is guaranteed for all the young lovers.