Featured image for post: Theatre at Barton Presents Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” February 21-24

Theatre at Barton Presents Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” February 21-24

WILSON, N.C. — February 7, 2019 — Theatre at Barton plans to have some satirical fun on stage this spring with its interpretation of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde.

The show will open on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m., in the Kennedy Family Theatre on the campus of Barton College in Wilson. Additional performances will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings, Feb. 22 and 23, at 7:30 p.m., with an afternoon performance to follow on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m.

A preview performance, by invitation only, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20, with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m.

In 1895, Irish playwright, poet, essayist, journalist, and novelist, Oscar Wilde, notorious as much for his razor-sharp wit as for his social excesses, published “The Importance of Being Earnest,” a play that he subtitled, “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” This play would go on to be the most widely read, produced, and critically acclaimed of his prolific, though sadly short career and life.

“Wilde is required reading for any student of theatre or English literature; he uniquely propels classic, satirical comedy of manners headlong into 20th century realism, laying a foundation for the next generation of comedy greats including Noel Coward, Neil Simon, Woody Allen and many others,” shared Adam Twiss, director of Theatre at Barton.

“Wilde’s impact is far-reaching, and, for many years, we have been looking for the right opportunity to produce this play,” Twiss added. “The stars aligned for the 2018-2019 season, and Theatre at Barton is honored to be able to present Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ a play that we subtitle ‘simply one of the most brilliant comedies of all time.’ Sit back and enjoy, and, as with all great satire, we’ll get you in the end!”

Tickets are available at the door (or in advance at www.barton.edu/theatre). General admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors (65 and over), alumni, and military, and $6 for youth. Tickets are free for Barton College students, faculty, and staff with a valid Barton ID.

For additional information, please contact Adam Twiss at (252) 399-6484 or ajtwiss@barton.edu. And, visit www.facebook.com/KFTBarton/ for updates and behind-the-scenes-looks at the performing arts programming in the Kennedy Family Theatre at Barton College. Think Theatre, Think Barton.

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