SIC Theatre presents “The Importance of Being Earnest”

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Southeastern Illinois College will celebrate by performing The Importance of Being Earnest, Feb. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m.  This romantic comedy is directed by sophomore theatre major, Auston Mahan of Harrisburg.

“Two English gentlemen find the Importance of being Earnest after finding themselves in trivial scrapes with manners,” says Mahan. 

In this play by Oscar Wilde, both of these gentlemen, living in 1890’s England, use the same pseudonym “Earnest” on the sly. This is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities.

“This comedy of manners is a delightful look the upper class in England and is a classic of the stage.  It is a great evening of comedy for the entire family,” states director of theatre Allan Kimball 

The cast for The Importance of Being Earnest includes: Kyle Upchurch of Energy as Jack, Caleb Abbot of Harrisburg as Algernon, Jayden Roper of Harrisburg as Dr. Chausible, Emily Green of Golconda as Merriman, Collins Lambert of Harrisburg as Lane, Shay Wood of Shawneetown as Lady Bracknell, Cassandra Watkins of Harrisburg as Gwendoline, Regan Gray of Eldorado as Cecily, Maddison Miller of Eldorado as Miss Prism, and Autumn Pritchett of Galatia as the Servant.

Lighting design is by Kyle Upchurch, and costumes will be designed by Janet Hart and Gareth York. John Hart of Hart’s Music in Harrisburg will once again provide the sound equipment. 

Both performances of The Importance of Being Earnest are in the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center. Seating is reserved. General admission is $8. Cost for students, staff, and seniors is $6. For tickets and more information call 618-252-5400, ext. 2486, or 618-841-4649.

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