Washburn Theatre to Present The Importance of Being Earnest

     Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Theatre will present “The Importance of Being Earnest” at 7:30 p.m. April 25, 26 and May 1, 2, 3 and at 2 p.m. May 4 in the Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center, on the Washburn campus. A play by Oscar Wilde, this trivial comedy for serious people depicts two young bachelors who create fictional identities to escape their dull realities. However, when opportunity for romance enters the picture, their lies spiral hilariously out of control. The play explores themes of morality and identity. Facades of society are silly and backwards, but the concepts of marriage and birthright remain true.

     Wilde wrote “The Importance of Being Earnest” to highlight the idea that superficial appearances and social conventions are meaningless, while poking fun at the absurdity of traditional Victorian upper-class values. As he writes in the play, “I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.” 

      “The Importance of Being Earnest” is directed by Ted Shonka, with set design by Deb Bruner, lighting design by Lauren McCauley-Jones, sound design by Lauren Province and costume design by Knox McClendon. The cast features Washburn students Lynn Morford, Wyatt Tripe, Noah Hart, Khalani Britt, Lauren Szala, Taylor Moore, Summer Gordon, Gage Gooding and Jake Andersen.  

     Tickets may be reserved at https://cur8.com/18042/project/126790 prior to performances or acquired at the Washburn Theatre Box Office before performances. Tickets are free for Washburn students, faculty or staff, and are a suggested $10 donation for general admission. All donations will go toward Washburn Theatre Academic and Travel Scholarships.  For more details, check out the Washburn University Theatre website at www.washburn.edu/theatre.   

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Editor’s Note: Cast Hometowns

Lynn Morford, Newton, Kansas

Wyatt Tripe, Topeka, Kansas

Noah Hart, Topeka, Kansas

Khalani Britt, Topeka, Kansas

Lauren Szala, Kansas City, Missouri

Taylor Moore, Topeka, Kansas

Summer Gordon, Topeka, Kansas

Gage Gooding, Topeka, Kansas

Jake Andersen, Iola, Kansas