Only Four More Performances Remain of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2015) — The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance will present four more performances of the witty comedy of errors, the Oscar Wilde classic “The Importance of Being Earnest” Oct. 15-18, in the Guignol Theatre.
“Earnest” is considered by many to be Wilde’s masterpiece. The farcical comedy, which premiered in 1895, comments on the hypocrisy of Victorian society, the conflicting values of morality and sincerity. Who is Ernest? Is he the disreputable (and fabricated) brother of the honorable Jack Worthing? Is he the pseudonym of Algernon Moncrieff, Jack’s best friend and avid supporter of the so-called “Bunburyists”? Their fiancées would like to know. "Earnest" invites audiences on a jaunt into a world of illusion, deception and Victorian societal decorum.
The play is a favorite among directors, actors and theatregoers. "It’s one of the greatest comedies of the English language and it’s been pure joy to live with Wilde’s words and genius for the rehearsal period," said co-director Christina Ritter. "We have an exceptional cast, including a number of seniors who were passionate about doing this play their last year here, and everyone has brought wonderful energy and dedication to the production."
UK Theatre's production of "Earnest" is directed by Christine Ritter, lecturer, and Russell Henderson, associate professor of theatre, acting and voice. The cast includes:
· Curtis Lipsey, a theatre and secondary social studies education junior from Louisville, Kentucky, as Jack;
· Peter LaPrade, a theatre senior from Marietta, Georgia, as Algernon;
· Cassady Gorrell, a theatre junior from Lexington, as Gwendolyn;
· Alexis Slocum, a theatre senior from Fort Knox, Kentucky, as Cecily; and
· Jessica Agro, a theatre and arts administration junior from Bowling Green, Kentucky, as Lady Bracknell.
The play will be presented in the Guignol Theatre’s on stage seating.
"We’re excited to be presenting the play in a small, intimate thrust setting to really bring the audience close to the gorgeous costumes, elegant set, and delightfully eccentric plot of Wilde’s play," Ritter said.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 15 - 17. A 2 p.m. matinee performance will be presented Oct. 18. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for the general public. To purchase tickets, contact the Singletary Center ticket office at 859-257-4929, visit online at www.scfatickets.com, or visit the ticket office in person.
The UK Department of Theatre and Dance at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from a renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu