The Importance of Being Earnest

by OSCAR WILDE
directed by DAVID IVERS
Wurtele Thrust Stage

A perfectly crafted comedy

Meet Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff — two dapper Edwardian gents who shamelessly invent people in order to shirk their responsibilities and follow their whims. For country-dwelling Jack, his fictitious brother Ernest creates a perfect excuse to visit London and swoon over Gwendolen, Algernon’s cousin and daughter of the formidable Lady Bracknell. For city-dwelling Algernon, his imaginary (and sickly) friend Bunbury frequently calls him away to the country, where he meets and falls for Jack’s ward Cecily. Like a brilliantly paced piece of music, this masterful comedy woos theatergoers into a state of sheer delight with its mild treacheries, hilarious confusions and endearingly flawed characters.

Venue info

This production will take place on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details. 

Ticket prices

Ticket prices range from $29 to $82. 

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Group sales 

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions. Group Sales is available Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 612.225.6244 or 1.877.225.6211 (toll-free) or send an email

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Run time

Approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes (including two intermissions).

Age recommendation

We recommend The Importance of Being Earnest for ages 12 and up. Everyone must have a ticket, and children under 5 are not admitted.

Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

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Relaxed performance

The Guthrie will offer a relaxed performance of The Importance of Being Earnest on Sunday, October 1 at 1 p.m. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater.

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Post-play discussions

Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.

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Digital program

Want to dig deeper? Check out the digital program or play guide.

In the news

Good Day with Michael Doherty

Michael Doherty (Algernon) from our production of The Importance of Being Earnest stopped by FOX 9 Good Day to give you an insider look at the play, process and more!

Watch the Interview

Artists

Cast

Corey Brill

John "Jack" Worthing, J.P.

Helen Cespedes

Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax

Bob Davis

Lane/Rev. Canon Frederick Chasuble, D.D.

Michael Doherty

Algernon Moncrieff

Michelle O'Neill

Miss Laetitia Prism

Daniel Petzold

Merriman

Adelin Phelps

Cecily Cardew

Sally Wingert

Lady Bracknell

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Creative

Placeholder for Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde

Playwright

David Ivers

Director

Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams

Scenic Designer

Susan Tsu

Costume Designer

Philip Rosenberg

Lighting Designer

Scott W. Edwards

Sound Designer

Carla Steen

Resident Dramaturg

Keely Wolter

Vocal Coach

Karl Alphonso

Stage Manager

Matthew Meeks

Assistant Stage Manager

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

Alli St. John

Intimacy

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Photos

Corey Brill and Michael Doherty in a scene from The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: Dan Norman.

Sally Wingert and Michael Doherty in a scene from The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: Dan Norman. 

Michael Doherty in a scene from The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: Dan Norman.

Corey Brill, Adelin Phelps, Helen Cespedes and Michael Doherty in a scene from The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: Dan Norman.

Michelle O'Neill, Adelin Phelps and Bob Davis in a scene from The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: Dan Norman. 

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