Photo Flash: First Look at Cygnet Theatre's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Take two world renowned playwrights, mix in a theatre that is not afraid of a challenge, and you get the next offering in Cygnet Theatre's 11th season. By producing two great theatre classics in rotating repertory, Cygnet is once again raising the bar for San Diego theaters. The monumental task of directing both The Importance of Being Earnest and Travesties will be handled by Artistic Director Sean Murray. Performances are at the Old Town Theatre, now through October 27. Opening Day for media is September 28. BroadwayWorld has a first look at THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST below!

Oscar Wilde's (1854-1900) The Importance of Being Earnest has been called the funniest play in the English language, and he is among the world's most quoted authors, noted for his wit and brilliance. The play was first performed in 1895 and is set in British upper class society. In this farce full of mistaken identity and originally subtitled "A Serious Comedy for Trivial People," Algernon and Jack are in love with two delectable young women, both of whom have illogically sworn to marry only men named Ernest. Full of outrageous frivolity with intricate twists and turns, The Importance of Being Earnest is like Downton Abbey with Oscar Wilde's wit.

The shows are performed in rotating repertory by the same cast, which includes Maggie Carney (A Christmas Carol), Manny Fernandes (Assassins, Private Lives), David Cochran Heath, Linda Libby (Company, Man of La Mancha), Brian Mackey (The Glass Menagerie, The History Boys), Patrick McBride, JorDan Miller (Bed and Sofa), Rachael VanWormer (Arcadia, The Little Foxes) and Jacque Wilke (Mistakes Were Made).

The production team includes costume design by Shirley Pierson, set design by Sean Fanning, lighting design by Chris Rynne, sound design by Kevin Anthenill, and properties design by Angelica Ynfante. Jennifer Kozumplik stage manages.

Performances are now through October 27. The two shows alternate throughout the run. Show times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. For more information regarding tickets, contact the box office at 619-337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Ken Jacques