February 8 - March 9, 2008 Segerstrom Stage THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST by Oscar Wilde directed by Warner Shook Elaine J. Weinberg, Honorary Producer Riviera Magazine, Classical KUSC 95.1 FM and KOCE TV Media Partner Corporate Producers Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, with two intermissions.

Cecily (Elise Hunt) and Algernon (Michael Gotch) in The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo by Henry DiRocco

Oscar Wilde’s most popular play has been called the funniest in the English language. It’s certainly the most outrageously frivolous with intricate twists and turns, through which the characters move while they carry on sparkling conversations about life — and love. Algernon and Jack are in love with two delectable young women, both of whom have illogically sworn to marry only men named Ernest. And so the pretense — and the fun — begins. Although Wilde’s plot is wonderfully witty, his wit is serious, as he adroitly uses it to skewer the Victorian English upper class and utterly charm everyone else.

Playwright:
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854 and is regarded as one of the greatest playwrights of the Victorian Era. Celebrated for his sophisticated wit, he is the author of nine plays, most notably Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Recommendation and Resources:
No one aged 12 and over will be able to resist this ‘trivial comedy for serious people.’

Los Angeles Times - Playing Wilde with the quips
South Coast Repertory plays it for real in a bubbly production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest.'

OC Register - Actress discovers the importance of playing ‘Earnest'
Actress Kandis Chappell tackles the demanding role of Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's masterpiece.

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