Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College’s Theatre Department is set to bring Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, to the stage at the Black Box Theatre in Meadows Hall. The production will run for two weekends, with performances scheduled for March 6-8 and March 13-15. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. nightly, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays.
First performed in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest is widely regarded as Wilde’s most brilliant and enduring work. A satire on Victorian society, the play explores themes of identity, love, and social expectations through the story of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt false identities to escape the constraints of their respectable lives.
“This show is perhaps the most enduring comedy of manners ever written,” said Joe Fuselli, director and theatre instructor at Gadsden State. “It is certainly my favorite. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are eccentric and exaggerated, making them equally as fun to play as they are to watch. I have absolutely no doubt that audiences will love this one.”
The Gadsden State production features a cast composed of students and local actors. To offer varied interpretations of Wilde’s characters, the show will have two different casts performing on alternating nights.
“Our department has grown rapidly over the past few years, and I only have so many opportunities to give my acting students a chance to perform,” Fuselli said. “The students are always my first priority, and they need experience to truly learn.”
Meet the Cast:
Cast 1
- Algernon – Jonas Abernathy
- Jack – Ian Anthony
- Lane – Lucas Gamblin
- Gwendolyn – Carolyn Humphrey
- Lady Bracknell – Heather Ross
- Cecily – Afton Yarnell
- Miss Prism – Buffy Bailey
- Rev. Chasuble – Ryan Kelly
- Merriman – Nolan Fletcher
Cast 2
- Algernon – Jake Rhinehart
- Jack – Eric Wilkerson
- Lane – Josh Kimbril
- Gwendolyn – Diana Alhegazen
- Lady Bracknell – Lilly Barber
- Cecily – Addie Jenkins
- Miss Prism – Eliza Hardy
- Rev. Chasuble – Darius Spears
- Merriman – Phoenix Rich
“Each cast will bring its own dynamic, and that is a learning tool,” Fuselli explained. “I want my actors to see how different interpretations of the same character can still work so long as they balance with the choices of their fellow castmates. I would encourage people to watch both casts if at all possible.”
In addition to the community performances, Gadsden State’s Theatre Department will also present the play to local schools.
“For many students, Earnest is required reading,” Fuselli said. “I believe it will be a very enriching experience to see the play actually on its feet.”
Tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest are priced at $8 for the general public and $5 for students and Gadsden State employees. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.gadsdenstate.edu/FineArts.
