This summer, TheatreWorks New Milford is honored to host the world premiere of the musical comedy EARNEST OR WHAT'S IN A NAME?, an original adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan. Book, Lyrics, and Music are by New Milford resident, Leonard Diamond.
In 1895, the world-famous theatrical team of Gilbert and Sullivan fell apart. The partnership apparently over for good, composer Arthur Sullivan immediately began searching for a new librettist and quickly found MR. Wilde, who had just completed an extraordinary new play that seemed the ideal piece to set to music: The Importance of Being Earnest. If Gilbert and Sullivan hadn't ultimately reconciled, this "what if" scenario of a Wilde-Sullivan collaboration provides audiences with a delightfully charming and frothy musical comedy.
The production features some of the region's finest actors: Ian Maitland (New Fairfield), Carey Van Hollen (Danbury), Fred Rueck (Patterson, NY), Frank Arcaro (Roxbury), David Anctil (Thomaston), Glenn R. Couture (Ansonia), and John Bolster, Beth Bonnabeau, Jack Harding, Charles Roth, and Becca Myhill (all New Milford).
The play is under the direction of Laura Gilbert of New Milford and is being produced by Jane Farnol of Gaylordsville.
EARNEST OR WHAT'S IN A NAME? runs July 12,13 19,20 26,27,28 August 2,3. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m.Fridays & Saturdays, with a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee on July 28. Tickets for all shows are $23 for reserved seating.
On Thursday, July 11, senior citizens are invited to a free dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m. is TheatreWorks' Pay-What-You-Want night. At this performance, you name the price for your ticket.
Reservations can be made online at WWW.THEATREWORKS.US or by calling the box office at (860) 350-6863.
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