PRESS RELEASE: 6th Street to Share the Joy of Laughter with The Importance of Being Earnest!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025
Contact: Kira Catanzaro, Marcom Manager
kira@6thstreetplayhouse.com
6th Street to Share the Joy of Laughter with The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde’s Celebrated and Timeless Comedy of Manners Will Open April 25
SANTA ROSA, CA (April 6, 2025) – Oscar Wilde’s sparkling satire promises to delight audiences with its sharp dialogue, mistaken identities, and a whirlwind of high society hijinks. John Worthing, and Algernon Moncrieff, played by Damion Matthews (Cabaret) and Drew Bolander (She Loves Me), are two young gentlemen who invent imaginary alter egos to escape social obligations and pursue the women they love. Hilarity ensues when their elaborate deceptions collide, and long-lost secrets come to light. Katherine Rupers (A Doll’s House) plays John’s ward Cecily Cardew, and Sara Dunnavant (Steel Magnolias) plays his love interest, Gwendolen Fairfax. Lauren Heney (Morning Sun) directs. Playing in the MONROE STAGE from April 25 – May 11, 2025.
“At its core, Earnest is a comedy of manners,” says director Lauren Heney, “a brilliant farce wrapped in the elegance of Victorian society. But beyond its witty dialogue and perfectly timed misunderstandings, the play speaks to something deeply human—the joy of laughter. In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, there is something undeniably powerful about gathering in a theater to share in the sheer delight of Wilde’s humor.”
Heney makes her 6th Street Playhouse directing debut with Earnest following her acclaimed run of Morning Sun at Spreckels in March. More than 15 years of experience on stage, behind the scenes and stage managing have prepared her for her role as director. Directing this production has been a joyful experience for her, filled with rehearsals where she found herself crying with laughter.
Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comedy The Importance of Being Earnest satirizes the Victorian “age of surfaces” with four passionate lovers trying to conform to expectations while loving who they wish and living how they want.
A young gentleman, John Worthing, has invented a fictitious brother named “Ernest” to escape his country responsibilities and enjoy adventures in London. While in the city, he falls in love with the sophisticated Gwendolen Fairfax—who insists she can only love a man named Ernest.
John’s carefully constructed double life begins to unravel when his friend Algernon Moncrieff adopts the same alias and visits John’s country estate, falling for John’s charming ward, Cecily Cardew—who, coincidentally, is also smitten with the elusive Ernest.
When Gwendolen and her formidable mother, Lady Bracknell, arrive unannounced, secrets are exposed, identities are questioned, and chaos ensues. A long-lost handbag, a missing baby, and a very confused governess lead to a hilarious and heartwarming revelation.
Wilde’s humor is timeless and Earnest is as much a social satire today as it was in 1895. Audiences can expect a dazzling blend of witty repartee, elaborate period costumes, and Wilde’s biting commentary on love, identity, and the absurdity of societal expectations. Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic theatre or new to Wilde’s world, this is a production not to be missed.
The Cast of The Importance of Being Earnest is as follows:
John Worthing – Damion Matthews
Algernon Moncrieff – Drew Bolander
Cecily Cardew – Katherine Rupers
Gwendolen Fairfax – Sarah Dunnavant
Lady Bracknell – Mary Gannon Graham
Reverend Chasuble – David Noll
Miss Prism – Eileen Morris
Lane/Merriman – Be Wilson
Showing: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm, from April 25 – May 11, 2025
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Tickets cost $29 – $47.95 (including all applicable fees) and are available online at 6thStreetPlayhouse.com or by calling the Box Office at (707) 523-4185.