March 12, 2008
Bismarck, ND -- The University of Mary will present "The Importance of Being Earnest," a play by Oscar Wilde, April 10-12, in Arno Gustin Hall on the University of Mary campus. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, with a 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. show on Saturday, April 12.
Wilde's play, first performed in 1895, is a perennial favorite with fans of romantic comedy. Hailed by some as "the funniest play ever written," the story is a witty, fast-moving farce about passion, love, friendship, mistaken identity, high society, and cucumber sandwiches.
"Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is one of the most beloved comedies in theater history," says Dr. Jamieson Ridenhour, assistant professor of English at the University of Mary and director of the play. "Audiences of all ages will find something to laugh about in this romantic comedy."
Nine students make up the show's cast. Derryn Johnson, Dickinson, ND, (Jack Worthing); Scott Larkin, Bismarck, ND, (Algernon Moncrieff); Kelly Wald, Wishek, ND, (Gwyndolen Fairfax); and Jessica Hoepfner, Beulah, ND, (Cecily Cardew); will perform the lead roles.
"We've got a great cast who are really capturing the spirit of Wilde in their interpretation of the play," adds Ridenhour. "It's a real treat to work with them and to share Wilde's masterpiece with the community."
Tickets can be reserved by calling (701) 355-8146 during business hours. Tickets are also available at the door: $6 general admission; $4 seniors; free to U-Mary students, staff and faculty with Mcard.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Cast List
Algernon Moncrieff, Scott Larkin, Bismarck, ND
Jack Worthing, Derryn Johnson, Dickinson, ND
Gwyndolen FairFax, Kelly Wald, Wishek, ND
Cecily Cardew, Jessica Hoepfner, Beulah, ND
Lady Bracknell, Jacquelyn Campbell, Flasher, ND
Rev. Chasuble, Chris Sickler, Dickinson, ND
Miss Prism, Tanya Tambo, Zimbabwe
Lane, Andrew Adams, Thompson, ND
Merriman, Greg Redepenning, Madison, MN
Director, Jamieson Ridenhour, Bismarck, ND
Stage Manager, Sarah Wilder, St. Cloud, MN
Running Crew, Sarah Maas, Ortonville, MN; Sara Schoonover, Bismarck, ND; Sarah Weigel, Bismarck, ND
Lights, Kristen Nieuwsma, Hague, ND
