Arvada Center Presents THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Opening 1/24

The Arvada Center will open Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest directed by the Center's Artistic Producer, Rod A. Lansberry on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. The show will mark Lansberry's directorial debut in the Center's 220 seat Black Box Theater. The Importance of Being Earnest will run January 24 – February 19, 2012. Previews are January 20 – 22 at 7:30pm nightly. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, Wednesday at 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm. Talkbacks will be offered Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm and Wednesday, February 8 after the 1:00pm show. American Sign Language (ASL) translation for the hearing impaired will be offered on Friday, February 17 at 7:30pm. Audio Description for the visually impaired will be available at the 2:00pm show on Saturday, February 18. Ticket prices range from $25 (previews) - $47 for prime seating. To order tickets call 720-898-7200 or go online to www.arvadacenter.org

The Importance of Being Earnest - A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, is a hilarious look at the British upper crust and those who serve them. Set in 19^th Century London and the English countryside, it is story of romance, feigned identities and comedic misadventures. The Importance of Being Earnest was originally presented to London society at the St. James Theater, on February 14, 1895, where it was celebrated for its well-crafted language and delightful repartee. The Arvada Center staging will embrace many of the elements originally used in the London debut, including roll drop scenery and traditional stage lighting. Even today, Oscar Wilde's classic period piece remains as witty, engaging, and relevant as when it first premiered over a century ago. Step back to Victorian England and enjoy The Importance of Being Earnest.

The Arvada Center cast features many Colorado favorites, including Scott Bellot (John "Jack" Worthing), Jake Walker (Algernon Moncrieff), Kate Berry (Gwendolen Fairfax), Caitlin Wise (Cecily Cardew), Bev Newcomb (Lady Bracknell), Billie McBride (Miss Prism), Colin Alexander (Rev. Canon Chasuble), Mark Rubald (Lane), Jeremy Sortore (Merriman) and Jamie Ann Romero (Maid). 

About the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities:

Now its 35^th Season, the award winning Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is one of the nation's largest multidisciplinary arts centers, devoted to all aspects of the arts and generously supported in part by the City of Arvada and by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Arvada Center is located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., just 20 minutes from downtown Denver and provides free parking for all its patrons. For more information go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.