ACT MFA Present 'Earnest' & 'Candida' in Rep Oct.17-Nov.3

American Conservatory Theater is proud to present two special productions of classic British comedies: Oscar Wilde's dramatic comedy of identity, The Importance of Being Earnest; and Candida, George Bernard Shaw's comedic comment on class, propriety, and desire. The plays, directed by Ken Ruta and Barbara Oliver, respectively, will be performed by members of the ACT Master of Fine Arts (MFA) class of 2008 and will play in repertory at Zeum Theater October 17 through November 3.

All tickets for Candida and The Importance of Being Earnest are now on sale through ACT Ticket Services, at 405 Geary Street, 415-749-2228, or via the ACT website at www.act-sf.org.

ACT Conservatory Director Melissa Smith and General Manager George Thompson chose The Importance of Being Earnest and Candida to run in repertory not only for each play's individual artistic brilliance, but also for the complementary images of fin-de-siecle English class and culture they offer.

"One of the best-loved plays of the English-speaking world, The Importance of Being Earnest continues to dazzle audiences with its shimmering wit and flawless language. As Jack and Algernon one-up each other in their insane antics to win the hearts of their beloved ladies, Wilde's timeless comedy of identity asks the essential question, 'What's in a name?'- and answers it with perfectly honed wit and a perfectly madcap plot. Love will indeed prevail in this comic classic-but not without a healthy sense of humor," explain press notes.

"Wilde's linguistic pyrotechnics are best enjoyed alongside a generous helping of Shaw's witty, yet down-to-earth social conscience. An insightful comic investigation of class, family, and political action, Candida candidly rounds out our perspective on turn-of-the-century London. Cockney rogues, nervous aristocrats, jealous curates: everyone wants Candida, the beautiful, gracious wife of a socially progressive minister. There's only one problem: no one bothers to ask what Candy wants for herself. Shaw's fast-paced, thought-provoking comedy of ideas raised many an eyebrow at its turn-of-the-century premiere, and the play has lost none of its power to inform and to amuse," state press materials.

The cast of the repertory productions consists of 14 members of the graduating third-year class of the ACT MFA Program. They are Axel Avin, Jr., Raife Baker, Jahmela Biggs, Kaliswa Brewster, Kevin Dedes, J. C. Ernst, Jeffrey Irwin, Dan Morrison, Shannon Parker, Erik Saxvik, Tovah Suttle, Amanda Sykes, Caitlin Talbot, and James Wagner.

Joining the design team for these productions are scenic designer Wilson Chin, lighting designer Michael Palumbo, costume designer Callie Floor, and sound designer Colin Trevor.

Tickets for Candida and The Importance of Being Earnest can be purchased at ACT Ticket Services, located at 405 Geary Street, 415-749-2228; or via www.act-sf.org.  Groups of 15 or more people are eligible for discounts; please call 415-439-2473.

Performing at Zeum Theater Yerba Buena Gardens (Fourth and Howard streets), San Francisco

Candida performance schedule: October 17 & 18 at 8PM; October 21 & 23 at 8PM; October 26 at 8PM; October 27 at 2PM & 8PM; and November 2 at 2PM & 8PM.

The Importance of Being Earnest performance schedule: October 19 & 20 at 8PM; October 24 & 25 at 8PM; October 28 at 2PM & 7PM; November 1 & 2 at 8PM.