The Footlight Players Learn The Importance Of Being Earnest With The Fourth Production Of 80th Anniversary Season
January 4, 2012
CHARLESTON, SC – The Footlight Players Theatre starts the new year with Oscar Wilde’s delightful and tantalizing production of The Importance of Being Earnest playing January 27, 28; February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m., and February 5, 12 at 3 p.m.
The Importance of Being Earnest has been popular with audiences of all ages since its first production in London on February 14, 1895. This witty outlook on the Victorian upper class exposes a world of shallow indifference to true love, and follows the harrowing romances of young Jack Worthing and his friend, Algernon Moncrieff. Having grown tired of their restrictive lifestyles, the duo creates a series of intricate lies that lead to a twisted maze of conflict and hilarity. Confronted by the rules and demands of Victorian Society, Jack and Algernon inevitably succumb to the demands of their true loves. Wilde’s glorious rendition of mistaken identity is sure to get people of all ages and social classes grinning, if not realizing themselves the importance of being earnest.
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1854. Known as a prolific writer, a brilliant satirist and a celebrated public figure, his collected works represent some of the finest literature in the English language. Wilde’s well-known philosophy of art for art’s sake was a vivid testimony to his beliefs and illustrated his bohemian lifestyle for which he was famous.
Directing the Players production of this witty classic is Don Brandenburg who has assembled a stellar cast including Michel Keene (John Worthing), Steven Moskos (Algernon Moncrieff), Scott Cason (Lane/Merriman), Susie Hallat (Lady Bracknell), Caroline Boegel(Gwendolen Fairfax), Lisa Benson (Miss Prism), Avery Cole (Cecily Cardew), and E. Karl Bunch (Rev. Canon Chasuble).
Don Brandenburg has worked as an actor, director, and producer with more than 60 shows to his credit. He was last seen on the Footlight stage as Bastien Andre in Is He Dead?, Maxim de Winter in Rebecca and as Ricky Jim Robinson in The Della Syndrome. Other favorite acting roles include George in Same Time Next Year and Ray Bud in Dearly Departed. His most recent directing credits include last season’s southern comedy, Messiah on the Frigidaire. Other favorites include Lend Me a Tenor, Noises Off, and Pack of Lies for the Footlight Players, Mornings at Seven for The Village Repertory Company, and The Diviners for Flowertown Players.
To coincide with the opening of The Importance of Being Earnest, the Footlight Players will present the second installment of Behind the Curtain, the group’s new lecture series featuring coffee with the director. Open to the public, this informal program offers audience members the chance to engage with director, cast, and theatre staff to learn more about the upcoming production. The next installment of Behind the Curtain is January 26 at 10 a.m. at Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401 is free and open to the public. To RSVP, call (843) 722-7521 or e-mail [email protected].
Performances of The Importance of Being Earnest are January 27, 28; February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m., and February 5, 12 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for Adults, $22 for Seniors, $15 for Students, and $12 for Children 12 and Under. Tickets can be purchased online at www.FootlightPlayers.net or by calling (843) 722-4487.
Footlight Players theatre is the longest continuously performing theatre company in the Southeast and has been producing performances since 1931. Presenting on average six Main Stage and three Late Night productions annually, Footlight Players is notably one of the leading community theatres in the South focused on providing quality entertainment for and by the community. For more information on Footlight Players, Inc. call (843) 722-7521 or visit www.footlightplayers.net.
