Young Stars Theater, now performing at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena, presents the classic comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde, on Friday, September 10, both in person at the Theater and streaming online starting at 7 p.m.
Directed by Jack J. Bennett and produced by Gloria Bennett for Young Stars Theatre, “The Importance of Being Earnest” is the most popular of the comedies written by Wilde. Set in London and in Shropshire, England, the story involves the doings of two best friends, Jack and Algy (Algernon). Jack lives in the country, protective of his young ward, the “excessively pretty” heiress Cecily Cardew. But he likes to get away to London and the attractions of the city, so he has invented a rascally brother in London named Ernest to whom he must occasionally attend, necessitating his periodic departure from the country. The biggest draw in London for Jack is Algy’s cousin, the beautiful Gwendolen Fairfax.
The play’s full title is “The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” It was first performed on Valentine’s Day in 1895 at the Saint James’s Theatre in London. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play’s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the satire of Victorian ways.
With its high farce and witty dialogue, “The Importance of Being Earnest” has become Wilde’s most enduringly popular play and has been adapted for the movies on at least three occasions.
For the in-person play at Fremont Centre Theatre, all seats are $30. For the live stream, a Family Pass is available for $40.
To purchase tickets, visit www.youngstarstheatre.org/
To learn more about Young Stars Theatre, visit www.youngstarstheatre.org or call (626) 269-3609.
