Sound the ingredients making up a modern day soap-opera?  No.  It’s Victorian London. It seems that long before we glued ourselves to our television sets to lose ourselves in stories of passion and intrigue, the greatest playwrights of all time were already whipping up tales of deceit and coercion.

Except for the British accents and impeccably designed ball gowns, things haven’t changed all that much.

An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde tells the deliciously decadent tale of the scheming Mrs. Chevely who will sell anyone and anything to achieve her own selfish desires.  Ruin a marriage?  Of course.  Destroy a seemingly honest man’s political career?  All in a day’s work my dear.

The impeccable work of Wilde includes the literary masterpieces The Importance Of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray.  While his work may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is the nectar of gods to some.

The production of An Ideal Husband currently running at The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn is a glorious rendition of the Wilde classic with a remarkable cast and a lavish scenic design.

Directed by James Warwick (which appeared in the 1996 Broadway production of the same play), the Paper Mill production is elegant and expertly presented.

As the conniving Mrs. Chevely, Stephanie Beacham is terrific.  Known to television audiences from such hit shows as “The Colbys”, “Dynasty”, and “Beverly Hills 90210”, Ms. Beacham is a powerhouse on stage.

Commanding attention from the moments she appears, Ms. Beacham is a polished and delightful actress to watch.  Her portrayal of Mrs. Chevely is sexy and naughty and delivered in a near serpent like manner.  The term “Diva” comes to mind but in the absolute finest sense of the word.

As Sir Robert Chiltern, the man Mrs. Chevely is so happily trying to destroy David is well cast, offering a fine portrayal of a man in turmoil.  Perhaps because his role is not as exuberant as some of the other characters in the play Mr. Ledingham doesn’t always rise to the energy level that surrounds him. What should be a sympathetic character comes across as rather indifferent at times.

Soap opera favorite Fiona Hutchison proves that she is not limited to daytime serials. Ms. Hutchison is lovely as Mrs. Chiltern a woman who desperately wants to save her marriage and stand by her man, yet is torn, wanting to do the right thing.  The role of Mrs. Chiltern is written heavily on the ingénue side, but Ms. Hutchison gives the lady some grit, which is refreshing.  Terrific work. 

As Sir Goring friend of Robert Chiltern, Daniel McDonald nearly walks away with the play.  Witty, charming, problem solving and lady killing, Mr. McDonald is fabulous as the commitment shy Peter Pan of a gentleman who avoids his own demons by coming to the rescue of anyone in need.

Mr. McDonald is an absolute treasure and I truly look forward to seeing more of this fine actor’s work.

The supporting work is right on the mark particularly the wonderful George S. Irving as the Earl of Caversham and Stephanie Cozbert as Miss Mable Chiltern.  Denis Holmes and Colleen Smith Wallnau are also a delight, and all in all the casting is exceptional. This fine company of actors skillfully keeps the piece moving and this rather long play seems to fly by.

James Warwick’s direction is proficient and understated and the scenic design by Michael Anania is stellar.  David Murin’s costumes are exceptional as are the lighting by Paul Miller and the sound by Duncan Robert Edwards and David F. Shapiro.  Technically the show is an enormous achievement. 

An Ideal Husband will continue it’s run at The Paper Mill Playhouse at Millburn through Sunday March 18.