Cal State Fullerton Breathes New Life Into THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, directed by Department of Theatre and Dance faculty member James R. Taulli, runs April 20-May 6, 2018 in the Young Theatre on campus. Jack and Algernon each "reinvent the truth" to woo the women who have captured their hearts. When the gentlemen are coerced to reveal their web of lies and reveal themselves to their ladies, being 'earnest' takes on new meaning.

Born in 1854 in Dublin, Ireland, Oscar Wilde was a popular literary figure in late Victorian England. After graduating from Oxford University, Wilde published "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a novel seen as immoral in the eyes of critics. As a playwright, Wilde's career flourished with satirical comedies such as "A Woman of No Importance," "An Ideal Husband" and, most notably, "The Importance of Being Earnest" in 1895. Unfortunately, the same year, Wilde's affair with a young man led to his infamous arrest for homosexuality and "gross indecency." After two years in prison, the destitute Wilde passed away at the age of 46 in 1900.

Director, James R. Taulli has directed over 200 productions and events for various professional and university theatres across the country and internationally, and specializes in the areas of directing, musical theatre and acting. Professional staging and directorial credits include: "The Bernstein Mass" (Segerstrom Concert Hall); "Broadway Here I Come" (Samueli Theatre); "The Little Match Girl Passion" (Segerstrom Hall and Paris, France); "Les Miserablés" (Anseong, South Korea) and "24 Hours," a new musical which was produced at the Stella Adler Theatre and for which Mr. Taulli was nominated for an NAACP award for his direction. He is the recipient of two Kennedy Center Medallions for excellence in Theatre Education. "The Importance of Being Earnest" marks Mr. Taulli's 46th production at California State University, Fullerton in his 21-year tenure.

The cast of "The Importance of Being Earnest" includes Hayden Allcorn, Isobel Beaman, Johnny Eberhardt, Sarah Ellsworth, Caleb Gibson, Megan Hill, Noa Lev-Ari, Leo Xavier Torrez, and Blake Yanez.

Scenic design is by Ann Sheffield, lighting design is by Aaron Aceves, sound design is by Meghan Patrick, costume design is by Whitney Claytor and hair/makeup design is by Kaylynn Sutton.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" plays at 8 pm on April 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, May 3, 4, 5 and at 2 pm on April 22, 28, 29 May 5, 6. General admission tickets are $14 ($12 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors, or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $14 at the door. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday and online.

Soon to follow in the CSUF season is "Spring Dance Theatre" coordinated by Gladys Kares, running May 3-13, 2018 in the Little Theatre on campus featuring student dancers and faculty, student, and guest-artist choreographers.