It’s safe to say that there hasn’t been a Lady Bracknell quite as haughtily imperious as Brian Bedford’s in the pitch-perfect new production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Playing the grand dame who looks at her daughter Gwendolyn’s prospective suitor in frighteningly disapproving manner, this estimable classical actor demonstrates that the correct gender is absolutely not required to play this formidable dowager.

Bedford, who previously essayed the role in an acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival production two years, not only steals the show, but has also expertly staged this pitch-perfect Broadway production of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 classic being presented by the Roundabout Theatre Company.

He’s aided by a sterling supporting cast, including the amusing Santino Fontana and David Furr as Algernon and John, the two young men who learn the titular lesson in their romantic pursuits; the charming Sara Topham and Charlotte Parry as Gwendolen and Cecily, their respective beloveds; and seasoned veterans Dana Ivey and Paxton Whitehead as Cecily’s prim governess Miss Prism and the starchy Rev. Chasuble.

Performing on Desmond Heeley’s sumptuous sets (and clad in his elegant costumes as well), the ensemble deliver Wilde’s subversively witty comedy of manners in grand style, thankfully avoiding the excessive campiness that permeates so many mediocre productions.

For regular theatergoers, Wilde’s play is by now all too familiar. But although one can nearly recite its dialogue by heart, it’s always a pleasure to hear his classic bon mots delivered with impeccable drollness and comic timing.

One priceless example: “To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune,” Bedford’s Lady Bracknell pronounces. “To lose both looks like carelessness.”  

But clearly the raison d’etre of this production is to showcase Bedford’s star turn, and he doesn’t disappoint. The actor underplays beautifully, never bothering to appear particularly feminine and delivering every witticism in the driest manner possible. He can score more laughs with a simple raised eyebrow or disapproving glance than most actors manage with reams of dialogue. Making a far too rare appearance on Broadway—he has spent the last 27 years regularly performing up in Canada—his performance alone makes attendance mandatory.

American Airlines Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St. 212-719-1300. www.roundabouttheatre.org.