New Britain's Hole In The Wall Presents EARNEST, 4/1-4/23

New Britain's Hole in the Wall Theater will present a new production of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Warren Dutkiewicz, Earnest will run from April 1 to April 23.

Country Squire Jack Worthing has a lovely ward, Cecily, and an imaginary brother Ernest, whom he uses as a disguise when he comes to London to court Gwendolen. Unfortunately, Gwendolen's mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell, views Jack as an unsuitable match for her daughter.

Even more unfortunately, Gwendolen loves the name "Ernest" more than she likes "Jack." Jack decides to claim his nonexistent brother has died and have himself christened as "Ernest." The plan sounds good until Jack's friend Algernon arrives to court Cecily by pretending to be Ernest, and Cecily falls in love with him.

As a result, two women are in love with the same chap named Ernest who doesn't even exist.

Welcome to The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde's Victorian masterpiece of true love, mistaken identity and all things hilarious.

Veteran director Warren Dutkiewicz was attracted to the play by the language, which bristles with clever repartee. "It's one of the wittiest scripts ever written," he says. "And the thinly-veiled satire of the upper classes applies to today's society as much as it did to Wilde's own time. It's fulfilling to see those in control being made to look foolish."

To bring that witty language to life, Dutkiewicz has assembled a cast that combines veterans and talented newcomers. Both Mitch Hess as Algernon and John Avignone as Jack are new to Hole in the Wall. Denise Nelson, who plays Cecily, has performed at the venue only once before. She auditioned for the role because, "I knew I was right for it."

The other women, Sandee Rollins as Gwendolen, Miriam Neiman as Miss Prism and Barbara Gallow as Lady Bracknell, have all worked with Dutkiewicz before. All three share Dutkiewicz's love of the play, and they agree that the words are wonderful. Rollins, who calls the play "cleverly written," says Gwendolen is one of the roles she has always wanted to play. Gallow calls Lady Bracknell "One of those roles you can't turn down." Neiman auditioned because "It's fun to say these words." Filling out the cast are Jim Byrne, Jr. as Lane, Doug Seelye as Merriman and Roy Donnelly as Chasuble, the rector with an eye for Miss Prism. All three are Hole in the Wall veterans, and only Donnelly has never worked with Dutkiewicz before. He says he finds the high British accent a challenge, but is having great fun. Everyone agrees that audiences will, too.

Show Dates:
Apr. 1, 2, 3*, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17*, 22, 23
Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 PM
*Sunday Matinees 2:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $20
To Reserve your tickets call:(860) 229-3049
Tickets also available at the Box Office at the time of the show. Cash, Checks, VISA and Mastercard accepted.

For General information call: (860) 223-9665. Hole in the Wall Theater is located at 116 Main St., New Britain, CT 06050.

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for HITW's "Hole Food" program.

Visit www.hitw.org for more information.

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