The Importance of Being Earnest – the highly comical play by Oscar Wilde first performed in 1895 at St. James’s Theatre in London, has once again been revived – to quite possibly its finest version, ever.

“An Absolutely Perfect (and Important) Earnest – New York Magazine

Yes, Earnest has gone ‘Wilde’ yet again. This time around, Brian Bedford directs and stars in the newest Broadway production of the hit play. While Earnest opened in January of this year at the American Airlines Theatre in New York, it is presented live in HD at select theaters on Thursday, June 2 at 7pm.

The Avalon Theatre, now known for its popular HD simulcasts of The Metropolitan Opera, proudly presents the limited worldwide broadcast (by L.A. Theatre Works and BY Experience) . Tickets are $20 ($18 for students) and can be purchased via the Avalon Box Office at 410.822.7299 – or online, at avalontheatre.com.

While the farcical comedy that poked fun at the social conventions of late Victorian London has always been a hit with audiences, late 19thcentury contemporary reviews all praised the play’s humor while remaining cautious about its explicit lack of social messages. Even so, the play’s high farce and witty dialogue have helped make Earnest Wilde’s most enduringly popular play.

“(Tony award winner) Brian Bedford proves beyond question that gender is of no importance whatsoever in portraying the imposing Lady Bracknell. When viewed through the illuminating frame of a fine performance it dazzles both with its light touch and with its sturdy construction, like a cathedral made of spun sugar.”  –Charles Isherwood

“Brilliant! Brian Bedford gives one of the great performances of the season!” -NY Times

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Live in HD)
Thursday, June 2 – 7pm. $20/18
Avalon Theatre – Easton, MD
Box Office: 410.822.7299
www.avalontheatre.com
www.roundabouttheatre.org/broadway/theimportanceofbeingearnest/