The Importance of Being Earnest

Aethereal Jest Arts Council's production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" reworks the classic Victorian comedy through the lens of 1950s sitcoms.

Synopsis

The Importance of Being Earnest was first performed in 1895 and is a comedic play that satirizes the conventions and manners of Victorian society. The subtitle of the play, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, aptly captures Wilde’s tongue-in-cheek take on the cultural milieu to which he was subject. This production is set in England during the early 1950s and follows the lives of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt fictional identities to escape social obligations. Jack invents a brother named Ernest, while Algernon creates an invalid friend named Bunbury. The plot unfolds with mistaken identities, clever wordplay, and humorous social commentary.

Production Staff

Director - Matthew Barr
Producer - Ellie Haenick
Board Representative - Veronica Heer
Stage Manager - Brian A. Palmer
Assistant Stage Manager - Ashton Brammer
Assistant Stage Manager - Phoebe Levitt
Scenic Designer - Travis Williams
Lighting Designer - Robbie Wilt
Properties Designer - Jaimee Levitt
Costume Designer - Amy Groseclose
Stage Combat/Intimacy Coordinator - Hailey Marshall

Cast

John "Jack" Worthing, J.P. - Kyle Smith
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax - Reina K. Watson
Algernon Moncrieff - Ryan Dever
Cecily Cardew - Grace Beikirch
Lady Augusta Bracknell - Charlisa Anderson
Miss Lætitia Prism - Charlene Dubin
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. - Nolan Mecham
Merriman - Ashton Brammer
Lane - Toby Foley

Host or Publisher Aethereal Jest Arts Council