The Importance of Being Earnest at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Plays and Events

The Importance of Being Earnest	Share
September 14 - October 9, 2011

Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Jim Helsinger

Run time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including two 10-minute intermissions

A rousing, romantic escapade, Oscar Wilde dishes up scathing social satire, effervescent wit and high farce, making The Importance of Being Earnest one of the most cherished plays in the English language. In a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, charming bachelors Jack and Algernon lead double lives to woo the two young ladies who have won their hearts. When they are caught in their lies, the stage is set for clever manipulations and hilarious confusion.

The Importance of Being Earnest is considered a family show and is suitable for most audiences.

Reviews

"Oscar Wilde's delicious mix of put-downs, wisecracks and highfalutin nonsense...shines brighter than ever." - Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel

"Earnest marks Orlando Shakespeare Theater's first production of a Wilde work. With a production this satisfying, it was well worth the wait." - Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel

"One of English theater's funniest and most savory comedies..." - Pam Harbaugh, Brevard Culture

"Wilde's dialogue is so delicious, you may want to see it again..." - Pam Harbaugh, Brevard Culture

"...as directed by Jim Helsinger, the pretense of polite society comes into full blossom with a splendid professional cast and a marvelous visuals." - Pam Harbaugh, Brevard Culture

"I have been attending the Shakespeare Theater performances for many years and have never been disappointed. This performance was an absolute delight." - Nancy W.

"I laughed so hard, both at the physical comedy and Oscar Wilde's wit. Wonderful production." - Alison P.

"Attended the premiere. Outstanding job by the entire cast. This is a 'do not miss' show!!!" - Carla L.

TICKET INFORMATION
Theater: Margeson
Date	Time	Price
PREVIEWS September 14 & 15	7 p.m.	$16
WED & THU	7 p.m.	$20, $28, $34
FRI & SAT	8 p.m.	$26, $32, $38
SUN	2 p.m.	$20, $28, $34
SENIOR MATINEESSeptember 21 & 28	2 p.m.	$15
$20 UNDER 30 September 23	8 p.m.	$20
CHAT BACK September 29	7 p.m.	$26, $32, $38
CAPTION DISPLAY October 9	2 p.m.	$20, $28, $34
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Cast

Avery Clark as Algernon Moncrieff	Mindy Anders as Gwendolen Fairfax
Deanna Gibson as Cecily Cardew	Shannon Michael Wamser as Jack Worthing
Philip Nolen as Lady Bracknell	Patrick Flick as Rev. Chasuble
Robin Olson as Miss Prism

Production Team

Director .....Jim Helsinger
Set Designer .....Bert Scott
Costume Designer .....Jack Smith
Lighting Designer .....Dave Upton**
Sound Designer .....Britt Sandusky**
Stage Manager .....Stacy Renee Norwood*

*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association
**Denotes a member of United Scenic Artists

Opening Night Festivities

PRE-SHOW CHAT: Join us in the Patron's Room on Friday, September 16 from 7:15 - 7:45 p.m. for an informational Pre-Show Chat with members of our designer team and guest speaker, Professor James Campbell, Director of Graduate Programs and Associate Professor from UCF's English Department. He will be on hand to discuss:
- the history of Oscar Wilde
- the role of double lives and the parallel to Wilde's own life
- the use of comedy to forestall danger
- and the role of satire in Victorian culture

OPENING NIGHT PARTY: Celebrate a job well done with the cast, crew, designers and staff at the Importance of Being Earnest Opening Night Party. The party starts after the show (approx. 10:45 p.m.) and you're invited! There will also be delicious complimentary hors d'oeuvres provided by Edible Orlando and Saravanna Bhavan. We'll also have a cash bar. No RSVP necessary.

Program

Photo Gallery

Video