Gadsden State presents ‘Importance of Being Earnest’

GADSDEN, AL – Gadsden State Community College’s Theatre Department will present Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” at the Black Box Theatre in Meadows Hall. The production will run for two weekends: March 6-8 and March 13-15. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. each night as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays.

The play was first performed in 1895 and is widely considered Wilde’s most brilliant and enduring work. It is an exploration of identity, love and social expectations and follows the lives of two young men, Jake Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff. These men adopt false identities in order to escape the burdens of their respectable lives.

“This show is perhaps the most enduring comedy of manners ever written,” said Joe Fuselli, director and theatre instructor. “It is certainly my favorite. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The characters are eccentric and exaggerated, making them equally as fun to play as they are to watch. I have absolutely no doubt that the audiences will love this one.”

The Gadsden State production features a cast of students and local actors. The show will have two different casts performing on alternating nights, which gives the audience the opportunity to see different interpretations of the iconic characters.

“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.”

The cast members include:

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 said. “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.”

He said he and the cast are excited to also present “The Importance of Being Earnest” to local schools in addition to their community performances.

“For many students, ‘Earnest’ is required reading,” he 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 $8 for the general public and $5 for students and Gadsden State employees. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.gadsdenstate.edu/FineArts.