BPC students to perform Wilde play 'Earnest'

By Jennifer Vaughn

Brewton-Parker College will present the Oscar Wilde play "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde will be performed in Gates Auditorium nightly Thursday through Saturday, play director Thad Harvey has announced.

The play's cast includes: Chris Summerlin as Algernon Moncrieff, Eric Morris as Jack Worthing, Theresa Beverly as Cecily Cardew, Shannon Strickland as Gwendolyn Fairfax, Leslie McDaniel as Lady Bracknell, Rebecca Giddens as Miss Prism, and Mark Stokes as Lane, Merriman and Rev. Canon Chasuble.

The genius of Oscar Wilde comes to life before the audiences' eyes in the play, which is set in the 1890s and armed with an astounding array of dry wit and biting sarcasm the characters learn the Importance of being Earnest.

Jack Worthing is a well-to-do young gentleman from the country who, in order to avoid certain social engagements, has created a fictitious brother who lives in the city. Algernon Moncrieff, a young man of similar status, lives in the city and has created Bunbury, a friend who lives in the country and conveniently becomes ill when the occasion arises for another tedious social event.

Through their frequent visits, they become interested in two lovely, though somewhat quirky, young ladies, Gwendolyn and Cecily. The problem arises when each must assume the identity of Earnest in order to woo these too women who are determined to marry men with that name. In the end, their deceptions catch up with them and result in multiple hilarious incidents.

Gwendolyn's mother, Lady Bracknell, provides comic relief with her prim manners and pompous attitude when she attempts to foil Jack's plans to marry Gwendolyn. Algernon finds his own trouble when Jack will not allow him to marry Cecily, who is Jack's ward. Rev. Chasuble and Miss Prism complete this cast of convoluted characters and help make this play a riot of wit. With pointed satire and agile irony, one can only leave the theatre with a grin.

"Come prepared to have an enjoyable night of laughter," Harvey said. "Come alone or come with friends. Either way, you won't regret it!"

For the general public, tickets are $5, with children 6 and under admitted for $2. Tickets are available at the door.
Admission is free for BPC students, faculty and staff with a current college identification.

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