A witty and wildly funny comedy – ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ – up next at Florida Rep
Oscar Wilde’s comedy classic pokes fun at all things serious as indomitable dowagers, whimsical ingénues, and jealous fiancées become entangled in a most unlikely ruse
Florida Repertory Theatre’s 25th anniversary season continues with the classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde. The live theater production will be staged in the ArtStage Studio Theatre from Feb. 3 through March 5, with discounted previews from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2. For tickets call the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053 or visit floridarep.org.
The Importance of Being Earnest follows two carefree bachelors in 1895 London who lead carefully hidden double lives. When one gentleman discovers the other’s ruse, he takes advantage of the information and travels to the country to cause a bit of light-hearted mischief. Silliness ensues when an indomitable dowager, a whimsical ingénue, a society lady, a governess, and a cleric are caught up in a whirlwind of mistaken identities, hysterical misunderstandings, and an unexpected love triangle.
“Wilde’s comedy classic sparkles with dazzling wordplay and hilarious situations,” said producing artistic director Greg Longenhagen. “The play is staged in the round in the intimate ArtStage Studio Theatre placing the audience smack in the middle of the action as our cast brings this story to vivid life.”
The Importance of Being Earnest stars ensemble member David Breitbarth (Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help) and returning guest artists Chase Brackett (And Then There Were None), Carol Halstead (Into the Breeches!), Jake Murphy (Hay Fever), Jan Neuberger (Into the Breeches!), and Seth Robert Patterson (And Then There Were None), with Talley Gale, Ella Olesen, and Max Roll making their Florida Rep debuts.
Florida Rep ensemble member Chris Clavelli returns after directing Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help earlier this season. He is joined by an expert creative team including set designer Kimberly V. Powers (Morning After Grace), costume designer Stefanie Genda (Ripcord), lighting designer Todd O. Wren (And Then There Were None), sound designer Katie Lowe (Ripcord), and ensemble stage manager Janine Wochna (And Then There Were None).
Single ticket prices for The Importance of Being Earnest are $63 for regular performances from Feb. 3 through March 5. Discounted tickets are offered at $39 during preview performances from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2. Curtain times are Tuesday – Saturday at 7 p.m., Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. for the opening night performance on Friday, Feb. 3. Florida Rep’s parking lot opens two hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.
MORE ABOUT FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE
Florida Repertory Theatre celebrates 25 years of producing professional, live theater in the Fort Myers River District. Performances are held in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry.
Hurricane Ian Update: Florida Rep suffered damages from the storm, however, the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio theatres have been remediated and are presently welcoming audiences.
Visit Florida Rep online to view the full season line-up of comedies, dramas, musicals, and new works. Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, behind-the-scenes insight, special offers, and more.
Flex passes are still on sale and offer reduced-price tickets that may be used in any combination for any Season 25 play. A minimum purchase of six tickets is required. Tickets and information are available through the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053.
Source: Florida Repertory Theatre