CBU opens theatre season with ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2024) – The 2024-25 theatre season at California Baptist University opens this October with the comedic play “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. 

Set in England in the late 19th century, the play tells a story of two men who adopt fictional identities to escape their social obligations. The two characters, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, face various difficulties. The story is filled with mistaken identities, witty repartee and amusing hijinks.

"This is a wordy play that makes fun of the manners of British society during the late 1800s,” said Lee Lyons, professor of theatre and the play’s director. “The dialogue is filled with the author's commentary on society and the human condition of the time."

The play features lines that advance both the narrative and commentary, he said. The main challenge is helping the audience distinguish between the two and understand the concepts.

"I hope the spectators get the humor while also cheering on these unique characters as they pursue their relationships," Lyons said. "This requires the actors to perfect a heightened British dialect and employ the strict postures, manners and impeccable dress of ladies and gentlemen of the 1890s."

Kevin Walls, an engineering senior who plays Jack Worthing, said an important step in bringing a character to life is an understanding of the source material.

"Stepping into the lead role has been challenging, but practical analysis and feedback from friends have helped my understanding of my character and Oscar Wilde's intentions," Walls said. 

He wants the audience to appreciate the British humor.

"I hope the audience is able to relax and enjoy the show as we bring out comedic moments and portray the ironies of Victorian society," Walls said.

Abigail Durham, a theatre senior who plays Lady Bracknell, said she had to relearn the process of figuring out her character.

"It does not happen within the first two, three or even four rehearsals," she said. "Trusting the process and God through rehearsals is something I have remembered in the past but needed to remember and relearn during this quick rehearsal process."   

Durham said that she loved working with her fellow actors who were devoted and driven to make the show great. 

"Audiences are going to love this classic comedy," Durham said.

 Brooke Maurer, a theatre freshman, plays Gwendolen.

"As a freshman, I have learned so much throughout the process of this play," she said. "Being able to completely immerse myself in the world of this play has been such a pleasure."

She said the show has gotten her out of her comfort zone.  

"Getting to implement my acting skills into a comedic piece for our audience to enjoy has been the most enjoyable in rehearsals," Maurer said. "Our whole cast gets to laugh together and completely be ourselves."

“The Importance of Being Earnest”
When: 7 p.m. on Oct. 11-12 and Oct. 18-19; 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 and Oct. 19-20
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
Tickets: calbaptist.edu/theatre