IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  1-9-06  CONTACT:  JACK ELLIS 538-6502

SILVER CITY--Professor Jack K. Ellis, WNMU Drama Discipline Director, has announced the Spring 2006 Production will be the classic comedy by Oscar Wilde, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” was the last of Oscar Wilde’s comedies and is universally considered to be his most brilliant tour de force.  It has delighted millions in countless productions since its first performance in London’s St. James Theatre on Feb. 14, 1895.  “The Importance of Being Earnest,” is celebrated not only for the lighthearted ingenuity of the plot but also for the inspired dialogue which is rich with scintillating epigrams that amuse all who enjoy artful conversation.  This comic masterpiece keeps audiences joyfully anticipating the epigrams that still sparkle as some of the most quotable bon mots in the English language, said Ellis.

Auditions for the “Importance of Being Earnest,” will be held in the Webb Theatre on Jan. 11, 12, and 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Five men, ranging in age from their early twenties to their sixties.  There are four women’s parts ranging from late teens to late middle age.  There are also numerous backstage positions available.  A student may receive college credit.  If you are interested in performing or discovering what it is like to participate in a performance, on stage or behind the scenes, please come to the auditions.

Opening night for the “Importance of Being Earnest” will be at the WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre on Friday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. and will run Saturday evening, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Sunday, April 2, at 2:30 p.m. and again on Friday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. and the final performance will be on Saturday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Ellis at 538-6502.

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