DUMMERSTON — The Vermont Theatre Company will present Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center May 6-8 and 12-15.
The play, referred to by the flamboyant playwright himself as “a trivial comedy for serious people,” lampoons the strict Victorian standards and manners that were prevalent in upper crust London, circa 1890.
Filled with wit and wisdom, the play reveals two young men, Jack Worthing (Ryan Buck) and Algernon Moncrieff (Sam Murphy) who have taken to bending the truth in order to add excitement to their lives.
Jack has invented an imaginary brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to escape from his dull home in the country to frolic in the city. Algernon uses a similar technique, only in reverse; his imaginary friend, Bunbury, provides a convenient and frequent method of taking adventures in the country.
Their deceptions eventually cross paths, resulting in a series of crises that threaten to spoil their romantic pursuits: Jack for his love Gwendolen Fairfax (Jillian Morgan), and Algernon for his darling Cecily Cardew (Cassie Dunn). Both men must also contend with Algernon's aunt, Lady Bracknell (Louise Krieger), a “gorgon of a woman,” who holds in her hands the fates of all four lovers.
Other members of the company include Michael Jerald as the befuddled Rev. Chasuble; Michael Kaufman as the efficient and proper butler, Merriman; Chris Rose as the indispensable valet, Lane; and Louise Zak as the lovable yet flawed governess, Miss Prism.
The production is directed by Robert Kramsky and stage-managed by Brenda Seitz.