Theatre Memphis Opens THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, 1/27

After record-setting attendance during the 34^th annual 2011 performances of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest opens on the Lohrey Stage on January 27, 2012, and runs through February 12, 2012. There is much excitement by Theatre Memphis that the world's most popular comedy of manners will be as well received as the prior 2011-12 season offerings and will contribute to the continuing tickets sales increases that Theatre Memphis has experienced so far this season.

A true satire on society, The Importance of Being Earnest, exposes a double life that leads to double trouble as gentlemanly friends John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff hide secrets from each other while pursuing wives and discovering what is "relative" between themselves. This light-hearted period comedy features one of the great characters of the stage, Lady Bracknell, who controls the family and who has all the answers. Worthing (Brian Everson) and Moncrieff (Stephen Garrett) are played by two young men who have spent some considerable amount of time on stage at Theatre Memphis in the last few years. Most recently Everson was George Knightly in Jane Austen's Emma and Garrett was Hunter in title of show.  The choice role of Lady Bracknell is being played by Theatre Memphis patron favorite Jude Knight who last performed at TM in the Next Stage in A Sondheim Celebration. Other cast members include TM veterans Bennett Wood, Bill Short, Chris Sterling, Meghan Lisi and Ann Sharp. Emily Childers appears at TM for the first time in the role of Cecily Cardew.

According to director Jerry Chipman, "The Importance of Being Earnest has kept audiences laughing since it debuted in 1895.  That's a lot of laughter but some things never date and that probably includes enjoying the upper crust as they, with all their 'style over sincerity' attitude, put down us less worthy mortals."  Holding a mirror up to society was a way for the playwright to make his social commentary.  As Chipman states, "Oscar Wilde gleefully nails the superfluous stuffiness and pretension of this group of attractive people who gleefully scorn everyone around them while leaving themselves wide open for ridicule with their obsession with manners, appearance and style." The script also allows for the opportunity to employ and enjoy lavish sets, beautiful costumes and laugh-out-loud language and situations. "Lady Bracknell is one of the richest comic roles ever penned,"  Chipman continues. "And our delight in her snobbish obsession with all things pertaining to appearance have kept this play in constant revival mode for 100-plus years.  It's become a staple of theatre companies everywhere."   

According to Debbie Litch, Theatre Memphis Executive Producer, shows like The Importance of Being Earnest are important to complement the entire season offerings to the Theatre Memphis patrons. She says, "We put so much effort into choosing shows that not only will be financially beneficial to Theatre Memphis but that will give our patrons a variety from which to choose a comedy, musical or drama.  We are proud to showcase our volunteer performers and crews with classics like The Importance of Being Earnest. This season it seemed a perfect fit to stage this show at this time… after the holiday rush we could all probably use a laugh!"  The entire season selection is constructed through a series of meetings that consist of board members, staff and community volunteers who read countless scripts and listen to dozens of soundtracks.  With the commitment to generate a balanced season offering to include new, classic, thought-provoking and even some mindless comedy, the committee usually comes to a conclusion after several months of research.  Much thought is also given to the marketing possibilities and time slot of each show. New season offerings are generally announced in the spring.

Litch can also feel good about the steady rise in ticket sales at Theatre Memphis.  Just with the 2011 A Christmas Carol alone there was a 10% increase overall in the daytime and nighttime versions over the previous year making it the most successful run of the show in over a decade. Over 13,000 attended the 2011 productions. The increase in attendance and sales is not limited to the holiday favorite however. Through the first half of the 2011-12 season single ticket sales and total attendance have increased by 5%.  With a higher percentage of season ticket sales in renewals this year the season selection strategy seems to work well for Theatre Memphis. Remaining productions in this season include a regional premiere of the new work Circle Mirror Transformation, Chicago, Broadway's longest-running revival and longest running show to have premiered on Broadway, Henrik Ibsen's classic drama Hedda Gabler, the mad-cap comedy Noises Off and the season finale, a 1920's era tap dance-filled showstopper, No, No, Nanette. 

The Importance of Being Earnest 

Written by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Jerry Chipman

January 27 – February 12, 2012

Thursdays @ 7:30pm

Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm

Sundays at 2pm 

Additional performance Wednesday, February 8, at 7:30pm 

Tickets are $23 for adults, $15 for students with a valid ID, $10 for children under 12. Call 901.682.8323 to purchase tickets or go online to www.theatrememphis.org.    

Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants. 

 Visit our website at www.theatrememphis.org.

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