THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST At Orlando Shakes

(Philip Nolen Is Pictured)

Comedy Ensues At Orlando Shakespeare Theater In The Importance Of Being Earnest

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train." - Oscar Wilde

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF begins its 2011-2012 Signature Series with Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, a rousing escapade of romance, mistaken identities and comic twists, playing at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center from September 14 - October 9, 2011. 

Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production boasts a fine creative team with director Jim Helsinger (THE 39 STEPS, ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD) at the helm. "Oscar Wilde, who wrote Earnest in the late nineteenth century, deliciously satirizes the modes and manners of the upper classes in England in the last years of the Victorian era," Helsinger explains.

Jack A. Smith (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, CHARM) comes on board to work his magic as costume designer. "With his flair for fashion and his fantastic sense of the ridiculous...Jack makes the ladies look good. And the men too, of course," Helsinger laughs. And bringing it all together is Bert Scott's scenic design (CHAPS! A JINGLE JANGLE CHRISTMAS, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS) and lighting by Dave Upton (TWELFTH NIGHT), allowing this delightful comedy to unfold seamlessly on the Margeson stage. "It's going to be true to the period, highly theatrical and exciting," says Helsinger.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production presents an top notch cast led by audience favorites Avery Clark (HAMLET, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) as Algernon Moncrieff, Mindy Anders (PRIVATE LIVES, TWELFTH NIGHT) as Gwendolen Fairfax, Deanna Gibson (THE 39 STEPS) as Cecily Cardew, and Philip Nolen (THE BIG BANG, A TUNA CHRISTMAS) as Lady Bracknell.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater offers student matinees specifically for schools and home school groups. Learn more about the student matinees at http://www.orlandoshakes.org/studentmatinees.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

September 14 - October 9, 2011 - ON SALE NOW!

Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm - all seats $20, $28, $34
Friday and Saturday at 8pm - all seats $26, $32, $38
Sunday at 2pm - all seats $20, $28, $34

Group Sales: 10% off groups of 10-19 / 20% off groups of 20+, ext. 265
Student Rush: $10 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

Preview Nights: September 14 and 15, 2011 at 7pm - all seats $16
Opening Night: September 16, 2011 at 8pm - all seats $26, $32, $38
Senior Matinee: September 21 and 28, 2011 at 2pm - all seats $15
$20 Under 30: September 23, 2011 at 8pm
Chat Back: September 29, 2011 at 7pm
Caption Display: October 9, 2011 at 2pm

Single tickets and Season Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park.

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