Regent University Theatre Presents Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest

What’s in a name? Practically everything in The Importance of Being Earnest.

Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece opens on Regent University’s Studio Theatre stage in the Communication & Performing Arts Center Friday, January 27-29 and continues the following weekend, February 3-5. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the University Box Office.

The story follows a man by the name of John Worthing [John Forkner] and his fictional brother, “Earnest.” Chaos and mistaken identities ensue as he teams up with his friend Algernon Moncrieff [Jeff Goins], and they work together to woo the women they love.

“As a director, approaching a show you love so much is both exciting and daunting. It’s great fun to dig into a text so exquisitely written,” said School of Communication & the Arts associate professor and director of the production, Eric Harrell. “Mining the comedy with this talented cast has been a joy from start to finish.”

For Harrell, his love for Wilde’s work began during a serendipitous day in his high school theater class. His affection for The Importance of Being Earnest only grew as he played the part of Jack in his first role in graduate school.

“If [this production] is your introduction to The Importance of Being Earnest, get ready,” said Harrell. “You may be about to start a lifelong affection. If you’re a repeat customer, then you already know the treat that lies in store.”

Learn more about Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts.