Comedy Ensues At Orlando Shakespeare Theater In The Importance Of Being Earnest

July 19, 2011 - PRLog -- ORLANDO, FL – Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is delighted to begin its 2011-2012 Signature Series with Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, a rousing escapade of romance, mistaken identities and comic twists, playing at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center from September 14 – October 9, 2011.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production boasts a phenomenal creative team with director Jim Helsinger (THE 39 STEPS, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD) at the helm. “Oscar Wilde, who wrote Earnest in the late nineteenth century, deliciously satirizes the modes and manners of the upper classes in England in the last years of the Victorian era,” Helsinger explains.

Jack A. Smith (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, CHARM) comes on board to work his magic as costume designer. “With his flair for fashion and his fantastic sense of the ridiculous…Jack makes the ladies look good. And the men too, of course,” Helsinger laughs. And bringing it all together is Bert Scott’s scenic design (CHAPS! A JINGLE JANGLE CHRISTMAS, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS) and lighting by Dave Upton (TWELFTH NIGHT), allowing this delightful comedy to unfold seamlessly on the Margeson stage. “It’s going to be true to the period, highly theatrical and exciting,” says Helsinger.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production presents an incredible cast led by audience favorites Avery Clark (HAMLET, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) as Algernon Moncrieff, Mindy Anders (PRIVATE LIVES, TWELFTH NIGHT) as Gwendolen Fairfax, Deanna Gibson (THE 39 STEPS) as Cecily Cardew, and Philip Nolen (THE BIG BANG, A TUNA CHRISTMAS) as Lady Bracknell.  

Orlando Shakespeare Theater offers student matinees specifically for schools and home school groups. Learn more about the student matinees at http://www.orlandoshakes.org/studentmatinees.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is made possible by Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A; Carlton Fields; and Foley & Lardner LLP. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

WHAT
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Written by Oscar Wilde   

WHERE
Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

WHEN
September 14 – October 9, 2011 – ON SALE NOW!

DATES AND PRICES
Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm - all seats $20, $28, $34
Friday and Saturday at 8pm – all seats $26, $32, $38
Sunday at 2pm – all seats $20, $28, $34

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 10% off groups of 10-19 / 20% off groups of 20+, ext. 265
Student Rush: $10 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Preview Nights:    September 14 and 15, 2011 at 7pm - all seats $16
Opening Night:    September 16, 2011 at 8pm - all seats $26, $32, $38
Senior Matinee:    September 21 and 28, 2011 at 2pm  - all seats $15
$20 Under 30:       September 23, 2011 at 8pm
Chat Back:       September 29, 2011 at 7pm
Caption Display:    October 9, 2011 at 2pm

Single tickets and Season Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

WEBSITE:
Please visit http://www.orlandoshakes.org/pr for recent press releases, more information about the cast, and upcoming special events. Please contact Melissa Mason, Director of Marketing at 407-447-1700 ext. 215 or melissam@orlandoshakes.org for further details or to arrange for individual interviews.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Production photos will be online by September 15, 2011 at http://www.flickr.com/orlandoshakes.

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Now celebrating its 23rd season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed Equity theaters producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Shannon Lacek, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.