The Importance of Being Earnest

Spring 2023

STEUBENVILLE, OH— The Franciscan University Theatre Department presents its spring 2023 mainstage, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Highbrow callers and muffin crumb shenanigans run rampant upon the drama fueled stage of Oscar Wilde’s timeless classic brought to life once more within the humble confines of the Anathan Theatre. With titillating charcuterie boards and blood line hijinks, Wilde’s Edwardian satire fox trots across the 2023 FUS Theatre Program’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest Directed by Professor John Walker with an air of suffocating class and gut gurgling demeanor that will leave its audience craving nothing less than the finest cucumber sandwiches and three laced evening attire.

Professor Walker’s production juggles the intricate rigmarole and apocalyptic humdrum of the Wilde’s endless witticisms and flamboyantly fabulous characters with feigned ease, painting a portrait in all the finery befitting a period piece which ceaselessly hacks away at the upper crust conundrums of first world problems which veil the fundamental hungers and desires of the human soul, ultimately directing its audience to what is truly beautiful, good and everlasting in a world fueled by shallow rumors and fastidious commitments. Wilde’s immortal charms successfully whisk the audience away under Walker’s creative vision, leading hearts and minds on a hysterical journey of love, deception and other humdrum things of that most perplexingly delicious nature, such as pleasant nights out at the theater or unannounced familial visits, with a family friendly show that you truly won’t want to miss.

Performances: April 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7 pm and April 16 and 23 at 2 pm

Location: Anathan Theatre, Ground Floor Egan Hall

Ticket Prices: $4 adult, $2 students and seniors, Free for religious and children under 12

Cast and Crew

Algernon- Matthew Walker

Earnest- Jean-Paul Stiles

Lane- Simon Monsour

Lady Bracknell- Sophia Propson

Gwendolyn- Sally Zweber

Cecily- Catherine Richthammer

Miss Prism- Eleanor Hodge

Doctor Chausable- Michael Chomick