The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Clarinda High School’s Cardinal Theatre is preparing for the fall production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. This fast-paced comedy will be performed on the evenings of November 6th and 7th. Both showings will be held at 7 pm at the Clarinda High School Theatre, 100 N. Cardinal Drive. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 21st; Adults-$5.00, Students-$3.00. Students with an activity ticket man reserve a seat free of charge, but must pick up their ticket before 4:00 pm November 6th. Activity tickets will not be honored the nights of performance. To make a reservation, call 542-5167.
The story of the play involves John Worthing, a carefree young gentleman, the inventor of a fictitious brother, “Ernest,” whose wicked ways afford John an excuse to leave his country home from time to time and journey to London, where he stays with his close friend and confidant, Algernon Moncrieff. Algernon has a cousin, Gwendoline Fairfax, with whom John is deeply in love. During his London sojourns, John, under the name Ernest, has won Gwendoline’s love. But when he asks for Gwendoline’s hand from the formidable Lady Bracknell, John finds he must reveal he is a foundling who was left in a handbag at Victoria Station. Lady Bracknell insists that he produce at least one parent before she consents to the marriage.
Returning to the country home where he lives with his ward Cecily Cardew and her governess Miss Prism, John finds that Algernon has also arrived under the identity of the nonexistent brother Ernest. Algernon falls madly in love with the beautiful Cecily, who has long been enamored of the mysterious, fascinating brother Ernest. With the arrival of Lady Bracknell and Gwendoline, chaos erupts.
The talented cast of this year’s fall production includes Levi Frasier as the dashing John Worthing, and his charming best friend Algernon Moncrieff, played by Trevor Richardson. Algernon also has a cousin, the fashionable Gwendoline Fairfax, portrayed by Rachel Schaner. Cassidy Marcum plays her mother, the snobbish Lady Bracknell. Michaela McAndrews will portray Cecily Cardew in the production, Jack’s romantically inclined ward. Her governess, the devoted Miss Prism (Brett Samuelson) sparks a love interest with Rev. Canon Chasuble, portrayed by Jared Kirsh. The cast would not be complete without Algernon’s perfect manservant Lane (Jacob Slough), as well as Merriman, the efficient butler of Jack’s estate in the country, (Dylan Pafford). And finally, a young servant will be played by Annie Wallin.
The Importance of Being Earnest is a fun-filled classic comedy that will keep you laughing until the very end. Reservations are recommended and will be available beginning October 21 by calling the high school office at 542-5167.