The Importance of Being Earnest: A Fall Farce Nov., 14, 15 and 16

A classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, will be performed this fall by The MTHS Theatre Company. Formerly known as the Montville Township High School Drama Club, the theatrical troupe of talented teens will tackle Oscar Wilde’s most renowned comedy. Performances will be held November 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.

“If you need a laugh, come see this show,” said MTHS sophomore Adyna Silverberg.

Silverberg portrays the romantic and kind CECILY CARDEW who grounds Wilde’s highly satirical play of witty lines and biting humor.

The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedy of manners that leaves the audience rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Spotlighting the lavish costumes, British accents, precision timing and classic language of The Importance of Being Earnest, actress Lexie Burns said that the MTHS fall production: “Is a lot different than what people are used to.”

A senior, Burns portrays the sophisticated socialite GWENDOLEN FAIRFAX.

“It is a hilarious play,” senior Jeff Gallup added. “The audience will love it. It is a challenge for the actors, and really funny for the audience.”

Gallup portrays the conventionally unconventional Victorian gentleman, JACK WORTHING.

“Because it is such a challenge it is my favorite show so far,” said, Emma Zwickel.

A junior, who, like her co-stars, has been very active in the MTHS Drama program since her freshman year. Zwickel portrays the iconic LADY BRACKNELL.

Set in the Victorian era, The Importance of Being Earnest is the story of two British bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The men struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise, misadventure and mistaken identities.

A cast of eight juniors and seniors, and one sophomore bring to life the stylish sophistication of this timeless theatrical treasure.

“Watching this cast develop and become these characters is very exciting,” senior Matt Krase said about Oscar Wilde’s most farcical of comedies.

Krase, who portrays the fashionable, frivolous and irreverent bachelor ALGERNON MONCRIEFF also spoke about the MTHS Drama program: “This is a family,” he said. “As a freshman, the upperclassmen show you the ropes. Now we are the upperclassmen. It has been very rewarding watching these actors, these people, this family, grow and develop into the actors they are now.”

In addition to Silverberg , Gallup, Zwickel, Burns, and Krase, the cast includes: Nina Lewin (junior.) as MISS PRISM, Griffin Smolar (junior.) as REV. CANON CHASUBLE, Josh Choc (junior.) as LANE and Jack Iaci (junior.) as MERRIMAN.

Sophomores Julia Kehr and Raelle Lamela will understudy the women in the cast, while Jack Iaci will understudy the men.

MTHS Theatre Company Advisors: Scott Baird and Kristen Markowski serve as the production’s Director and Assistant Director, respectively. The fall 2019 production also marks Baird’s sixth year and Markowski’s fifth year advising the theatrical company. Baird is also the show’s Producer.

Other members of the creative team include: Scenic Design by Brandon Frumolt, Costume Design by MaryAnne Hannon, Lighting Design by Kevin Ohlweiler, Art Director by Eileen Racioppi, Sound Design by Daniel Pasquale and Stage Crew Advisor: James McManus.

The Importance of Being Earnest will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the MTHS Dr. Robert O. Stafford Auditorium at Montville Township High School, 100 Horseneck Road in Montville, New Jersey. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Seating is general, and tickets can be purchased at the door.