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The Importance of Being Earnest is a glorious comedy of mistaken identity, which ridicules codes of propriety and etiquette. Dashing men-about-town John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pursue fair ladies Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. Matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both men to cover their on-the-sly activities more...

Original
(Applause Books)
(Of the Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire)

Brian Bedford, a celebrated British actor known for his versatility and depth, delivered a widely praised performance as Lady Bracknell in the 2011 Broadway production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," marking his final Broadway appearance before his passing in 2016. more...

Santino Fontana, who won the Clarence Derwent Award for his role in *The Importance of Being Earnest*, has an impressive career that spans Broadway, film, and television, including his Tony Award®-winning performance in *Tootsie* and his memorable voice work as Prince Hans in Disney's *Frozen*. more...

(Of the Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire)
David Furr, who has an impressive array of Broadway credits including his role in The Importance of Being Earnest, was also nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his performance in the recent revival of Noises Off. more...

(Miss Cardew's governess)
Dana Ivey, a five-time Tony Award nominee, brought her acclaimed talent to the stage in The Importance of Being Earnest, adding to her illustrious career that includes a 1997 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. more...

(Butler to Mr. Worthing)
(Applause Books)
(Rector of Woolton)

(John Worthing's ward)
Charlotte Parry, who graced Broadway with her performance in the Tony Award-winning production of The Importance Of Being Earnest, has an extensive career spanning stage and screen, including notable roles in both the National Tour of Blithe Spirit and the London premieres of Pig Farm and The Colby Sisters. more...
(Applause Books)
(Miss Cardew's governess)

(Lady Bracknell's daughter)
Sara Topham has a rich history with "The Importance of Being Earnest," having portrayed Gwendolen both at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2009 and on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre in 2011, as well as in a film adaptation of the play that same year. more...

(Rector of Woolton)
Paxton Whitehead, who began previews of The Importance of Being Earnest on Broadway in December 2010, brought his extensive experience in both classical and contemporary theatre to the role of Reverend Canon Chasuble, a performance that was later filmed live for broadcast. more...

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Awards and Nominations


2011 Drama Desk Awards
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play: Brian Bedford won.

2011 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play: Brian Bedford won.

2011 Tony Awards
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Brian Bedford was nominated but did not win.

Production Team

Angelina Avallone Make-Up Designer
Brian Bedford Director
Berthold Carrière Composer
(Original Music)
Desmond Heeley Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Paul Huntley Hair and Wig Designer
Drew Levy Sound Designer
Duane Schuler Lighting Designer
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