Broadway's Importance of Being Earnest Broadcast at THT

It has been called the funniest comedy every written. And now a brilliant production on Broadway is introducing a whole new generation to Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

This glorious comedy about mistaken identities is famous for the character of Lady Bracknell, the imperious social matron who spouts a steady stream of hysterical one-liners. In this production the role is played by America's leading male classical actor, Brian Bedford - to rave reviews.

The New York Times calls it "one of the great performances of the season", and continues: "Within seconds of sweeping onstage, and with a wordless gesture as funny as it is subtle, the great actor Brian Bedford proves beyond question that gender is of no importance in portraying Lady Bracknell."

The Hollywood Reporter calls the production "pure bliss," while the Wall Street Journal calls it "brilliantly zany." The production is so popular that the run has been extended.

Vermont audiences will be treated to an HD broadcast of the production on Sunday, June 12, at 1 pm at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater. Later that evening, the Tony Awards will be presented, providing a chance to see Bedford in all of his glory in the afternoon and then to watch him win the expected award a few hours later.

Tickets for the broadcast are $17, with a special $10 ticket for students. "This would be a wonderful introduction to theater for a young person," says THT executive director Douglas Anderson. "I know The Importance of Being Earnest was one of the first plays I saw as a teenager, and I'll never forget it. It really demonstrates how, in the theater, some pretty scathing ideas can be served up in a way that makes you laugh until you hurt."

Tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, by calling 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, Noon - 5 pm) or at the door.

Photo caption: Brian Bedford plays Lady Bracknell in the hit Broadway production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, broadcast at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Sunday, June 12, at 1 pm.