Oscar Wilde created one of the most delightful and memorable social comedies: The Importance of Being Earnest. It's a comedy of manners that satirizes Victorian manners and customs, but he does it with a light, witty style that's absolutely unforgettable. And after nearly 120 years (and nine Broadway productions) it’s still as much fun as ever.
Stamford’s Curtain Call, Inc. kicks off the 40th Anniversary of The Kweskin Theatre with this classic on February 3. Performances will continue through February 18 but seats are limited as advance sales have been very strong.
“I think this show is the perfect entertainment for the dead of winter,” said Curtain Call executive director Lou Ursone. “When it’s cold and grey outside, come on in and let the laughter warm you up,” he added.
This production is directed by Stephen DiRocco of Wilton. DiRocco has appeared in many Curtain Call productions, most recently as Mr. Etches in Titanic, but this is his first time directing at Stamford’s longest-running, year-round non-profit producing theatre. “Stephen and I talked a lot about this production as we were planning the season and he has done a terrific job with this amazing material – aided by a terrific cast,” Ursone said.
The cast features many Curtain Call regulars but also features many newcomers as well. From STAMFORD: Ryan Hendrickson, Rebecca Judelson and Sarah Smegal; from DARIEN: Amy Wade; from WILTON: Daniel Bayer; from ROWAYTON: Tom Butterworth; from BETHEL: Nick Kaye; and from New Rochelle, NY: Judie Phillips. Production design for The Importance of Being Earnest is by Peter Barbieri, Jr., costumes by Megan Latte Ormond and stage management by Joe Vitti.
In The Importance of Being Earnest you’ll find two girls earnest to marry, two gentlemen eager to respond, and one Lady earnestly hoping for cucumber sandwiches! Join Jack, Algernon, Gwendolyn, Cecily and Lady Bracknell at The Kweskin Theatre for this limited engagement.
Beginning Friday, February 3, The Importance of Being Earnest will play Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm. Tickets are $28 for adults, $20 for Senior Citizens and $14 for students/children. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (203)461-6358. Tickets are also available online at www.curtaincallinc.com. Flex Passes for the 2011-12 season are still on sale and can bring savings of up to 25% off the prices noted here. Curtain Call's most recent season saw 94% of their performances completely sold out, so advance reservations are encouraged.
Following The Importance of Being Earnest, Curtain Call's 21st season will include: Death of a Salesman, The Sound of Music, On Golden Pond and 42nd Street. Other special events including concerts by Frank Mastrone and Maydie Myles, plus four Musical Monday presentations of brand new musicals and interactive murder mysteries are also on tap.
Curtain Call is the non-profit, professionally-run, community-based theatre company in residence at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue in Stamford. Year-round productions and educational workshops are presented by and for area residents in The Kweskin Theatre and The Dressing Room Theatre. Curtain Call was voted Fairfield County's BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP 2005 through 2011 in the Annual Readers' Poll of The Fairfield County Weekly as well as BEST LOCAL THEATRE by StamfordPlus magazine for the past four years. Curtain Call also received The Governor's Award for Excellence in Culture and Tourism for 2011.
