Photo Flash: First Look at MET's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Opening Tonight

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is bringing one of the most acclaimed comedies ever to the stage this fall with a hilarious new production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece of witty wordplay will run every Thursday through Sunday at Maryland Ensemble Theatre from tonight, October 18 through November 10. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

In 1890s England, Jack and Algy both use the name "Ernest" when they want to instill a little excitement into their lives. All goes as planned until the two use the pseudonym while falling in love with Gwendolyn and Cecily, threatening their romantic ventures. Paths cross and hilarity ensues in what is considered Wilde's wittiest and finest comedy. "Still one of the funniest plays in the English language" (The Hollywood Reporter), The Importance of Being Earnest premiered at London's St. James Theatrein 1895 and has since received countless theatrical productions and numerous film adaptations. The Irish born Wilde's other prominent works include An Ideal Husband, A Woman of No Importance and The Picture of Dorian Gray.

The comedy of mistaken identities will be directed by Joe Brady, who last year made his MET directorial debut with It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Joe is a director, actor, writer, and comedian who holds an MFA in Directing from CUNY and is a graduate of Second City, Chicago. Joe is an Associate Professor of Theater atHOOD College and previously served as Artistic Director of Mother Lode Productions in Baltimore. Brady's talented cast includes Nancy Blum, Steve Custer, Shea-MikAl Green, Matt Kline and MET ensemble members Julie Herber, Tad Janes, Courtney McLaughlin, Reiner Prochaska and Tim Seltzer. They will be ably assisted by a design team including Tirza Fogle (Costume Design), Devin Gaither (Properties Design), Tad Janes (Scenic Design), Tabetha White (Lighting Design) and Steve Younkins (Sound Design).

The Importance of Being Earnest will run from October 18 through November 10 everyThursday through Sunday at the MET, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. Thursday, October 17 there will be preview performances at 8pm and tickets to that show are $5 (cash only at door). The opening weekend will also include a meet and greet with the cast following Saturdays' performance and the first Sundayperformance will be preceded with a reception hosted by MET Board Members Hilda Staples and Abby Zanger Sievers and will be sponsored by Juice Plate.

Tickets to The Importance of Being Earnest are $15 (Thursdays) through $24 and can be purchased at 301.694.4744, marylandensemble.org or in person at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office. This show is made possible in part through the support of MET's season sponsors including Comcast, The Frederick Gorilla, Key 103, Eagle 106.9, Ausherman Family Foundatoin, Mark A Pitts Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, The Frederick News Post and both the Frederick and Maryland Arts Councils.

Now in it's sixteenth season the Maryland Ensemble Theatre produces thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools, theatre camps, challenging classes and side-splitting comedy.

Photo Credit: Dan Brick

Shea-MikAl Green and Steve Custer

Julie Herber

Matt Kline and Courtney McLaughlin

Courtney McLaughlin and Shea-MikAl Green

Nancy Bloom

Reiner Prochaska