Aquila Theatre Company presents Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" | Press Releases

Image: The Importance of Being Earnest 3 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2011
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Professional theatre returns to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts when Aquila Theatre Company, a troupe heralded as "eclectically entertaining" by The New York Times , presents a delightful and tantalizing production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at 3 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2011 . Wilde's masterpiece has become a respected piece of literature, since its first performance on February 14, 1895, delighting audiences with its wit and wisdom. Quick Center audiences can expect an entertaining overflow of humor and elegance with Aquila Theatre Company's insightful interpretation of this classic romantic comedy. Tickets are $40, $35 and $30.

Image: The Importance of Being Earnest The Importance of Being Earnest tells the tale of two young men who have taken to bending the truth to add a dash of excitement to their lives. Jack Worthing has invented an imaginary brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to escape from his dull home in the country in order to frolic in town. Algernon Moncrieff has an imaginary friend, Bunbury, who provides a convenient and frequently used method of taking adventures in the country. Their deceptions eventually cross paths, however, resulting in a series of hilarious discoveries that threaten to spoil their romantic pursuits.

Crammed full of colorful characters and memorable satirical humor, Aquila's creative staging and flare for language make this particular production sparkle. The New Yorker has described Aquila's productions as "Beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect."

Aquila Theatre was founded in 1991 by Artistic Director Peter Meineck, who sought to present bold reinterpretations of classical plays for contemporary audiences, freeing the spirit of the original work while recreating the excitement of the live performance that made it become a classic play. Based in New York City since 1999, Aquila has gone on to win popular, critical and academic acclaim worldwide and regularly appears at international festivals with performances in places as diverse as Carnegie Hall, the Ancient Stadium at Delphi, and the White House. Its repertoire ranges from ancient Greek playwrights, to the works of Shakespeare, to new American classics. It tours nationwide to between 50-70 cities per year and provides extensive educational programming. Its mission is simple yet very ambitious - to bring the greatest works to the greatest number. Aquila is also the professional company in residence at the NYU Center for Ancient Studies.

Image: The Importance of Being Earnest Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.fairfield.edu/quick .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.fairfield.edu/quick .