Are you looking for some lighter entertainment in the dark doldrums of November? Look no further than Theatre on the Isle’s (TOTI) upcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Written in 1894, “Earnest” continues to be Oscar Wilde’s most enduring and popular play. The triviality of the play mocks some of the Victorian era’s most serious institutions – social standing, marriage and earnestness, but it is the brilliantly witty dialogue that has kept audiences laughing more than a hundred years later.
TOTI’s production is directed by Martin Clarke and will be performed at Tir-na-nOg Theatre on November 10, 11, 12, and November 16, 17 and 18. Playing the roles of “Earnestly” confused, and somewhat duplicitous young couples are Calder Stewart, Frazer Elliott, Katalina Bernards, and Ainsley Szewchuk. Graham Ritchie and Susanna Braund are cast as Reverend Chasuble and Miss Prism, while Sue Clarke fills the role of Lady Bracknell. Michael Epp and Marc Gawthrop as Lane and Merriman serve the cucumber sandwiches and generally clean up after the hapless couples.
If you’ve never seen “Earnest.” now is your chance to catch this classic comedy of manners.
This lighthearted satire of Victorian society has some of the most hilarious and scathing dialogue ever written. Think Downton Abbey with much more Maggie Smith and virtually no seriousness. “Earnest” is sure to be a sell out so don’t wait until the last minute to get your tickets. The run includes a matinée on Sunday Nov 12 at 2:00 pm, and all other performances are at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 each and available now at Phoenix, Gallery@ Artisan and Bowen Library.
