* This e-book contains 10 new illustrations. The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personæ in order to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play's major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways. Contemporary reviews all praised the play's humour, though some were cautious about its explicit lack of social messages, while others foresaw the modern consensus that it was the culmination of Wilde's artistic career so far. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde's most enduringly popular play.
The successful opening night marked the climax of Wilde's career but also heralded his downfall. The Marquess of Queensberry, whose son Lord Alfred Douglas was Wilde's lover, planned to present the writer with a bouquet of rotten vegetables and disrupt the show. Wilde was tipped off and Queensberry was refused admission. Soon afterwards their feud came to a climax in court, where Wilde's homosexual double life was revealed to the Victorian public and he was eventually sentenced to imprisonment. His notoriety caused the play, despite its early success, to be closed after 86 performances. After his release, he published the play from exile in Paris, but he wrote no further comic or dramatic work.
The Importance of Being Earnest has been revived many times since its premiere. It has been adapted for the cinema on three occasions. In The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), Dame Edith Evans reprised her celebrated interpretation of Lady Bracknell; The Importance of Being Earnest (1992) by Kurt Baker used an all-black cast; and Oliver Parker's The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) incorporated some of Wilde's original material cut during the preparation of the original stage production.
Just last week, cabaret favorite Ann Hampton Callaway released her very first album of all original songs. Finding Beauty: Originals, Volume 1 includes collaborations with Melissa Manchester, Alan Bergman, and Amanda McBroom, and duets with Melissa, Tierney Sutton, Kurt Elling, and of course, her sister Liz Callaway. Listen as the two duet on 'Wherever You Are'.
Music legend Johnny Mathis is due to release his seventh holiday album, Christmastime Is Here. Released by Legacy Recordings, the album is produced by Jay Landers and Fred Mollin and will feature a duet with Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth.
'Discover the insights and experiences of Robert Viagas, as he engages in a captivating conversation at the Drama Book Shop. Gain valuable knowledge about the world of theater and its impact on Broadway.'
Jaime Lozano’s SONGS FROM AN IMMIGRANT Vol. 2, while leaning a bit to the long-ish side, bursts forth with energy and passion and is worth every minute.
Join chef & author James Haller as he reads from his book and shares his culinary expertise at Pontine Theatre in Portsmouth, NH on October 7 and 8 @ 2pm.
MCA/UMe is set to release both vinyl and CD editions of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s smash-hit, tenth studio album, 1978’s Totally Hot, a record that further reinforced her status as a surefire international superstar. In celebration of Newton-John’s first-ever platinum-certified album’s 45th anniversary, Totally Hot returns to vinyl.
The album contains songs that are performed by the actors from the film including Luke Evans, Jessie Buckley, Fra Fee, Trevor Dion Nicholas and more. Produced by Timeless Films in association with Axis Studios and directed by Stephen Donnelly, Charles Dickens’ ageless legend is reborn in this musical adaptation of the Christmas story.
Discover the journey of Kevin Davis' One in a Million Musical as it finds a publisher in Next Stage Press. With its lively and faith-full storyline, this musical has gained acclaim through workshops, showcases, and even a film documentary. Get the inside scoop and learn how this exciting new musical is making waves in the industry.
Ben Ward to release concept EP of new song cycle YOU AND I featuring HSMTMTS star Joe Serafini. Explore the paths of relationships through a contemporary pop-Broadway score.
Discover the captivating world of Hercules Mulligan in a new historical fiction novel. Uncover the thrilling adventures of the American Revolutionary War hero as he navigates the complexities of pre-Revolutionary society and becomes a crucial spy for the Sons of Liberty. I
Join Bernie Ardia at The Drama Bookshop on October 10 at 7:30 pm as he recounts the hilarious and outlandish escapades of friends Patrick Dennis, Walter Healy, and Robert Karr in Mexico. Get your tickets now!
Guillermo Marigliano, the renowned Argentine musician, educator, and composer, has announced the release of his latest masterpiece, the Tango Guitar Method. Published independently and available now, this book is set to revolutionize the way individuals learn to play the enchanting rhythms of Argentinian Tango music.
Implementing Success: Strategies for Effective Caregiving and Care Support is a groundbreaking textbook providing evidence-based strategies for caregivers. Discover key topics like caregiver needs assessment, self-care, and preventing burnout. Improve caregiving practices and support the well-being of caregivers.
Discover 'Sophocles - Three Plays', a collection of two tragic and one comedic play by Sophocles, translated and directed by Gary Beck. Immerse yourself in the world of classic theater with Antigone, Electra, and the hilarious 'Searching Satyrs'.
Join author Joe Sexton and actor/narrator Dion Graham at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights on September 27 for a book event discussing 'The Lost Sons of Omaha.'
Join Vincenza Price on a transformative journey through the pages of Heal: A Poetry Collection. Experience the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of words.
Concord Theatricals Recordings has released Songs By An Immigrant Vol. 2, the highly anticipated sophomore album by Jaime Lozano & The Familia, on streaming and digital platforms worldwide.
More than half a century after the Public Theater opened its doors with Hair, Gail Merrifield Papp will speak for the first time about her vivid and fascinating behind-the scenes memoir, Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will be held on Monday, September 18 at 6pm at Joe’s Pub – the Public Theater venue named for Joseph Papp.
A COLLECTIVE CY is a gorgeous dream album of a recording that shows off Jeff Harnar's mad skills at cabaret storytelling and music making, both at the same time.
Author and artist Damien Kane Rigden has revealed his latest literary masterpiece, All Manner of Beast & Man. This gripping horror-thriller novel takes readers on a spine-chilling journey through the intricate corridors of the human mind and the eerie landscapes of friendship under extraordinary circumstances.