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Famed social satire hits Abbotsford stage

Abbotsford's Gallery 7 Theatre is presenting Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
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Cast members (from left to right) John Dawson

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest tells the tale of love, marriage and a bizarre case of mistaken identity.

“This play contains all the best qualities of a classic comedy: romance, misunderstandings, and a surprise twist ending,” said  Ken Hildebrandt, Gallery 7 Theatre’s executive artistic director.

Wilde’s most famous comedy is filled with social satire and explores matters of love, marriage, and social status.

Algernon and Jack are middle-class socialites, bored with their existence, and seek adventure by assuming different identities. Their charades can only go so far, however, and things really come to a head when they each decide to settle down and get married.

It’s a biting satire of Victorian morals and manners that encourages us to earnestly pursue the finer things of life.

Gallery 7’s production will features a cast of both new and familiar performers. Playing the role of John Worthing is newcomer Matt Veenbaas. His love interest, Gwendolen Fairfax, will be played by Sarah Hu, who last appeared in Around the World in 80 Days.

The indelible Algernon Moncrieff is played by Michael McIntyre, and the young, bright Cecily Cardew is played by Kirstie Hilverda. The roles of Doctor Chasuble and Miss Prism will be played by John Dawson and Carol Heynen respectively, while Nathan Unger plays Merriman, Trevor Kozac plays Lane and Josh Friesen plays the Footman.

The fiery and unforgettable Lady Bracknell will be played by Ruth Kult.The Importance of Being Earnest runs March 9-10, 15-17 and 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. with additional discounted matinees on March 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. at the MEI Auditorium, 4081 Clearbrook Rd.

For information on the rest of Gallery 7 Theatre’s season, visit their website at:

www.gallery7theatre.com