Buoyant revival of Shaw comedy

“This family is no place for a father.” It’s an emphatic statement of the sober argument that lies at the larky heart of “You Never Can Tell,” also being staged at A Noise Within.

This buoyant, beautifully appointed take on George Bernard Shaw’s early comedy is a textbook study in sprightly Shavian playing.

First published in 1897, “Never” is Shaw’s response to Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” There are surface similarities in structure, characters and farcical complications of rising action.

But whereas Wilde trained his incomparable wit on self-justified satire, Shaw, as ever, had denser societal concerns. The still-trenchant topics include women’s equality, economic inequity and marital pragmatism versus romantic attraction.

Director Stephanie Shroyer understands that the secret to landing the ornate verbiage and ideological content is a light touch and absolute conviction of delivery. Her wonderful cast follows suit.

As proto-feminist Mrs. Clandon, who left a loveless marriage to raise her children in Madeira, company mainstay Deborah Strang is spot-on, archetypal yet naturalistic, and ever-reliable Apollo Dukakis brings vivid consternation to her animus Fergus Crampton.

Similarly, Jill Renner as eldest daughter Gloria carries nuanced conflicts beneath her poised veneer, well attuned to Kasey Mahaffy’s assured posturing as dentist Dr. Valentine. As the late-inning deus ex Shaw-china, resonant Freddy Douglas all but steals the show.

Devotees and those allergic to Shaw alike are in for an intelligent, thoroughly satisfying repast.

“You Never Can Tell.” A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. In repertory through May 15. $44 and up. (626) 356-3100, Ext. 1, or www.anoisewithin.org. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.