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The Importance of Being Earnest is a glorious comedy of mistaken identity, which ridicules codes of propriety and etiquette. Dashing men-about-town John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pursue fair ladies Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. Matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both men to cover their on-the-sly activities - not to mention the disapproval of Gwendolen's mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell.
Original
(Understudy)
(Of the Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire)

Brian Bedford, a celebrated British actor known for his versatility and depth, delivered a widely praised performance as Lady Bracknell in the 2011 Broadway production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," marking his final Broadway appearance before his passing in 2016. more...

Amanda Leigh Cobb, who graced the Broadway stage in productions such as The River and The Importance of Being Earnest, has also showcased her talents in national tours, regional theater, and on screen in TV shows like Law and Order SVU. more...

Santino Fontana, who won the Clarence Derwent Award for his role in *The Importance of Being Earnest*, has an impressive career that spans Broadway, film, and television, including his Tony Award®-winning performance in *Tootsie* and his memorable voice work as Prince Hans in Disney's *Frozen*. more...

(Of the Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire)
David Furr, who has an impressive array of Broadway credits including his role in The Importance of Being Earnest, was also nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his performance in the recent revival of Noises Off. more...

(Miss Cardew's governess)
Dana Ivey, a five-time Tony Award nominee, brought her acclaimed talent to the stage in The Importance of Being Earnest, adding to her illustrious career that includes a 1997 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. more...

(Butler to Mr. Worthing)
(Understudy)
(Mr. Moncrieff's man-servant)
Colin McPhillamy, who has previously graced Broadway with his performance in The Importance of Being Earnest, brings a wealth of experience from both stage and screen, including notable roles in "Zero Hour" and "Law & Order." more...

(Mr. Moncrieff's man-servant)
Paul O'Brien, who has an extensive Broadway resume including a past performance in "The Importance of Being Earnest," has also showcased his talent Off-Broadway and in numerous regional theaters, as well as on film and television. more...

(John Worthing's ward)
Charlotte Parry, who graced Broadway with her performance in the Tony Award-winning production of The Importance Of Being Earnest, has an extensive career spanning stage and screen, including notable roles in both the National Tour of Blithe Spirit and the London premieres of Pig Farm and The Colby Sisters. more...
(Understudy)
Sandra Shipley, who has graced the Broadway stage in productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, boasts an impressive resume that spans both U.S. regional theaters and prestigious U.K. venues like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End. more...

(Lady Bracknell's daughter)
Sara Topham, known for her stage work at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, brought her talents to a past production of The Importance of Being Earnest. more...

(Rector of Woolton)
Paxton Whitehead, who began previews of The Importance of Being Earnest on Broadway in December 2010, brought his extensive experience in both classical and contemporary theatre to the role of Reverend Canon Chasuble, a performance that was later filmed live for broadcast. more...

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Awards and Nominations


2011 Drama Desk Awards
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play: Brian Bedford won.

2011 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play: Brian Bedford won.

2011 Tony Awards
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Brian Bedford was nominated but did not win.

Production Team

Angelina Avallone Make-Up Designer
Brian Bedford Director
Berthold Carrière Composer
(Original Music)
Desmond Heeley Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Paul Huntley Hair and Wig Designer
Drew Levy Sound Designer
Duane Schuler Lighting Designer
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