Small Batch Arts will present its local stage production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at Cinnamon & Sage Catering and Events (formerly Un-Knotted), just in time for Valentine’s Day. The hilariously witty and unflinching commentary on English high society will make for a perfect date night or outing for all! Directed by Sasha Kostyrko, performances are set for Saturday, February 2nd at 2pm and 7pm, then closing with a Sunday show on Feb. 3rd at 2:30pm.
Earnest tells the story of two young gentlemen in London, who each live a double-life, creating elaborate deceptions to find some balance in their lives. John Worthing escapes the burdens of responsibility to have an exciting life in the city, pretending to be his fictitious younger brother Ernest. Algernon Moncrieff, meanwhile, has invented a convenient invalid, Bunbury, whom he uses as an excuse to gallivant off to the country whenever he pleases. When John falls in love with Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen, he is determined to come clean, but when Gwendolen reveals she can only love a man named Ernest, it somewhat complicates things. When Algernon discovers John’s secret and decides to visit John’s pretty little ward in the country, posing as the debauched “Ernest,” the situation gets entirely more complicated! Hijinks ensue, and the two gentlemen and their ladies are in for more than they ever anticipated when formidable Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s mother, begins sleuthing around to uncover the far-fetched truth.
Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comedy captures with wit and charm the absurdity and delight of the Victorian “age of surfaces” (as Lady Bracknell calls it,) while capturing the struggle of four passionate lovers trying to conform to expectations and, in the most roundabout and delightfully funny way possible, love who they wish and live how they want.
With music by Erik Pearson and costumes by Michael Dixon, Earnest stars pre-professional company members Joe Ballian, Kathryn Westlake, Mac Miller, Wilhelmina Devlin, Hannah Palmer, Kamara Wilbur and Dutch VanOmmen.
General admission is $11, or $5 for those under 10. Advance tickets may be purchased through www.smallbatcharts.org. High tea will also be available for purchase during the performances – complete with the requisite cucumber sandwiches and scones, of course! Seating is very limited in this intimate performance venue. Call (406) 600-1145 with additional questions. Cinnamon & Sage (Un-Knotted) is located at 708 N Rouse in Bozeman.
Small Batch Arts produces professional and pre-professional classical arts, education, and performance events which harken to a time gone by. •
