Fine Arts exploring ‘Importance of Being Earnest’

The Fine Arts Association is presenting“The Importance of Being Earnest” in the Corning Auditorium from April 20 through 29.

The play, written by Oscar Wilde, is described as “a trivial comedy for serious people,” a news release from the Willoughby-based organization states. It was first performed in 1895 at the St. James Theatre in London and has endured as Wilde’s most popular play. It has been described as the perfect example of British comedy and farce.

At a time when Victorian social issues and lifestyles were being challenged, many writers of the period addressed the silliness and hypocrisy of high society’s beliefs and standards for marriage and behavior. “The Importance of Being Earnest” is, the release states, a hilarious example where the protagonists adopt fictitious personae leading to a comedy of errors and misconceptions resulting in pure fun for the audience.

Ann Hedger directs a cast featuring Carolyn Pelley Clerget (Gwendolyn), Kiara Kennelly (Cecily), Matt Mortensen (Algernon), Seth Clerget (Jack) and Mark Cipra (Lady Bracknell) in the leading roles, supported by Jack Warren (Chasuble), Nancy Shimonek Brooks (Miss Prism), Nick Grimsic (Lane) and Bob McCoy (Merriman).

“The Importance of Being Earnest” runs at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Fine Arts notes the show is the equivalent of a PGrated movie.

For tickets, call 440-9517500 or purchase online at visit fineartsassociation. org/performance. Reservations are not required but recommended, the release states.

All tickets are $20/reserved seating. Discounted group tickets (for ten or more) are available.

The Fine Arts Association is located at 38660 Mentor Ave.

PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY Carolyn Pelley Clerget, left, Kiara Kennelly, Seth Clerget and Matt Mortensen perform a scene in the Fine Arts Association production of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.”