The Importance of Being Earnest

Plymouth Community Theatre would just like to remind you about our debut production in our new performance space - the Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center (affectionately known as "The Spire") - Oscar Wilde's iconic play, The Importance of Being Earnest! The play opens with Algernon Moncrieff receiving his best friend, John Worthing, whom he knows as Ernest. 

Ernest has come from the country to propose to Algernon's cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax. Algernon, however, refuses his consent until Ernest explains why his cigarette case bears the inscription, "From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack." 'Ernest' is forced to admit to living a double life. In the country, he assumes a serious attitude for the benefit of his young ward, the heiress Cecily Cardew, and goes by the name of John (or, as a nickname, Jack), while pretending that he must worry about a wastrel younger brother named Ernest in London. In the city, meanwhile, he assumes the identity of the libertine Ernest. Algernon confesses a similar deception: he pretends to have an invalid friend named Bunbury in the country, whom he can "visit" whenever he wishes to avoid an unwelcome social obligation. Jack manages to propose to Gwendolyn, who accepts and declares her undying love for her "Ernest". Meanwhile, Algernon arrives at Jack's country estate, pretending to be Ernest Worthing, and soon charms Cecily. Long fascinated by Uncle Jack's hitherto absent black sheep brother, she is predisposed to fall for Algernon in his role of Ernest. 

What will happen when the four lovers come together and their deceptions are exposed? The Importance of Being Earnest features Helen Churchill, Bill Driscoll, Amanda Hayter, Elliott Levy and Elizabeth Soule of Plymouth, James Gifford and Paul McCuen of Marshfield, and Susan Wyoral of Duxbury. Full cast bios and headshots are available. 

 The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed at the Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center, 25 ½ Court Street in Plymouth. The show will run Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3 at 8pm, Sunday, May 4 at 3pm, Friday and Saturday May 9 & 10 at 8pm and Sunday, May 11 at 3pm. Tickets are $20 for the 8pm shows and $18 for the matinees. Seating is general admission; first-come, first-served.