“The Importance of Being Earnest” runs Feb. 28-March 15 at Red Curtain

Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts presents "The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” February 28-March 15, 2020, at the Red Curtain Arts Center, 9315 State Ave. #J, in Marysville. A satire of Victorian social hypocrisy, the witty play is considered Wilde’s greatest dramatic achievement. It is directed by Annie Jankovic.

Jack Worthing (Lydia O’Day) is a fashionable young man who lives in the country with his ward, Cecily Cardew (Karli Reinbold). He has invented a rakish brother named Ernest whose supposed exploits give Jack an excuse to travel to London periodically to rescue him. Jack is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax (Anne Olsen), the cousin of his friend Algernon Moncrieff (Kennan Miller). Gwendolen, who thinks Jack’s name is Ernest, returns his love, but her mother, Lady Bracknell (Jeannine Early), objects to their marriage because Jack is an orphan who was found in a handbag at Victoria Station. Jack discovers that Algernon has been impersonating Ernest in order to woo Cecily, who has always been in love with the imaginary rogue Ernest. Ultimately it is revealed that Jack is really Lady Bracknell’s nephew, that his real name is Ernest, and that Algernon is actually his brother. The play ends with both couples happily united.

The play also features the talents of BriAnne Green, Megan McDermott, and John Klise.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is rated PG and is family-friendly, although children under 12 might not appreciate the subtle humor and period language.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Red Curtain Arts Center (9315 State Ave, Suite J -- in the Goodwill shopping center, behind the EvCC cosmetology school). Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (62+), students over the age of 16 and military personnel. Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com; at the RCF box office by phone (360.322.7402); or in-person at the arts center Tuesday-Saturday from 2-6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.redcurtainfoundation.org.