Theatre Fairfield presents "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Fairfield University | Press Releases

Theatre Fairfield, the resident production company at Fairfield University, will present its spring comedy, Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Performance will take place in the Wien Experimental Theatre from Wednesday, March 1, through Saturday, March 4, at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" was first performed in London in 1895 as "a trivial comedy for serious people." Still timely, it presents a satirical view of love and the societal roles and relationships of men and women.

The delightful story of two couples' struggles to find love in a conflict of deception and false identities focuses on the seemingly honest and dutiful Jack Worthing, played by senior theatre major Wes Wilson of Rocky River, Ohio. Jack takes on the false identity of Ernest to capture the heart of the beautiful and confident Gwendolen, played by junior theatre major Jodi Pfau of Agawam, Mass., because she believes she will one day marry a man named Ernest. Enter Jack's friend Algernon, played by junior theatre major Jared Messocchi of Hollis, N.H., who also takes on the name Ernest because he's in love with the sweet and charming Cecily, played by junior theatre major Casey Regan of Middletown, R.I. Cecily has also dreamt of marrying an Ernest. Through a series of hilarious situations, the characters all learn the importance of being earnest with each other.

The play is directed by Heather Parady, who teaches acting and other theater courses at Fairfield. She and the rest of the cast are joined by costume designer Julie Levitt, set designer Karl Ruling, lighting designer Lynne Chase and movement coach Danielle Liccardo and vocal coach Jill Balch Coon of Fairfield-based Shakespeare Ventures. Senior theatre minor Lauren Satos is the stage manager.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $5 for students, and $6 for senior citizens and University staff. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, call Theatre Fairfield at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2435.