Fall 2019 - The Importance of Being Earnest

Directed by Steve Wendt

The Importance of Being Earnest is the most renowned of Oscar Wilde’s comedies. It’s bright and witty and it remains a favourite of modern audiences. Ironically, the play was published in the same year that Wilde was broken in heart and sentenced to prison, for falling in love without society's approval. This play will be performed over 2 weekends commencing November 15, 2019.

Open auditions will be held in the Fred Alexander Room at the Osgoode Community Centre at 5660 Osgoode Main Street on May 16 starting at 7 PM and on May 19 starting at 2 PM. Everyone must arrive by the starting time. Call backs will be arranged as needed.

Rehearsals will start in September. However, for promotional purposes, there will be one short scene rehearsed ahead of that date with performances in late August.

Play Synopsis

The Importance of Being Earnest tells the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create fictional excuses to escape their conventional lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, inconveniently though enchantingly, claim to only love men called Ernest. The fellows struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure.

Parts Being Cast

John Worthing, J.P. (under 40) - A youngish man who wants to be responsible but is easily bored. Should be able to whistle.

Algernon Montcrieff (under 40) – A likeable playboy, blissfully unconcerned about finances. Has a fair amount of eating on stage. Should be able to whistle.

Rev. Canon Chasuble, D. D. (over 40) - A stalwart Anglican vicar who harbours a hidden fondness for the governess.

Merriman, Butler (over 40) - An iconic butler of few words.

Lane, Manservant (over 40) - Think of Jeeves, a perfect valet.

Lady Bracknell (over 40) - An imperious grand dame, a bastion of the ruling class.

Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax (under 40) - Jack's love-interest, Gwendolen knows what she wants. Whoever she is now, she will grow to be like her mother.

Cecily Cardew (under 40) - Algy's love-at first-sight. The epitome of honesty and not much else. This actor has to be able to say she’s 18 with a straight face.

Miss Prism, Governess (over 40) - A complex character whose devotion to academics and mature age do not completely extinguish the girl within.

Footman (any age) – A man of no words.

The auditions will take the form of group readings of the play. If you wish to read the play in advance it is available in the public domain at www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.

For more information and/or to get an audition form please contact auditions@itrtheatre.com.