Theatre In the Country is launching its fourth season with a production of The Importance of Being Ernest.
The story takes place in Victorian-era England and tells the tale of two friends, John ‘Jack’ Worthing, who lives in the country, and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, a city dweller. Tired of their normal lives, the bachelors each create alter-egos for themselves, both named Ernest.
John proposes to Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen Fairfax and Algernon proposes to John’s ward Cecily Cardew. But confusion breaks loose when both ladies discover and believe they are engaged to the same man.
The comedy was written by Oscar Wilde in 1895 and was first performed at the St. James’s Theatre in London. It pokes fun of Victorian traditions and social customs at the time including the pursuit of love and marriage.
“That’s why [the play has] stood the test of time because it still pokes fun at us today. It makes us laugh at ourselves,” said Cody Friesen, first-time director for Theatre In The Country.
Friesen, who has an arts degree from Trinity Western University, has put his own stamp on the production.
There will be a live pianist underscoring the show.
“I think it is my love for making old things new which is what brought the pianist idea out,” explained Friesen, whose forté as a director has mainly been in musicals.
In addition to live music, Friesen says they took liberties with the characters and plot twists.
“Its basically like a Downtown Abbey feel to the show where everybody has a story line intertwined,” he said.
This season will bring new faces to the stage at Theatre In The Country. Over half the cast of The Importance Of Being Ernest will be debuting with the theatre company. Friesen says this eclectic mix of actors will bring great energy to the play.
The comedy genre appeals to Friesen because he says in this day and age it is hard to find shows that are gripping and make you laugh wholeheartedly.
“That’s what I love about comedies because they can take you into a world. They can help you escape for two and a half hours and give you the therapy that you need which is laughter. We need more joy in today’s society,” said Friesen, promising that The Importance Of Being Ernest will bring a smile to your face from beginning to end.
The Importance of Being Ernest runs Feb. 4-20 at Theatre In The Country, 9975 – 272 Street, Maple Ridge.
Tickets are $49.95 per adult for the dinner theatre or $25 for theatre only, $44.95 for youth and seniors or $20 theatre only and $39.95 for children under 13 or $15 theatre only. All tickets are 20 per cent off on Thursday.
• For more information, call 604-259-9737 or go to theatreinthecountry.com.
