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MILLIGAN UNIVERSITY, Tenn. (Oct. 12, 2022) – Milligan University theatre will present the classic play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” at the McGlothlin-Street Theatre in the Gregory Center, Oct. 27-30.
This production marks theatre director Frances Saxton’s directorial debut at Milligan.
“‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a fabulous show where Oscar Wilde mocks and ridicules the Victorian society in which he lives with the use of farcical comedy,” said Saxton, who also serves as artistic director of the production. “It’s a hilarious comedy, and everyone should see it!”
The play features a nine-member cast, including freshman William Wagner III, of Rural Retreat, Virginia, as John Worthing; sophomore Ryan Jamerson, of Limestone, Tennessee, as J. P. Algernon Moncrieff; junior Caleb Lehman, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, as Rev. Canon Chasuble: D.D; and senior Joey Reese, of Nashville, Tennessee, as Merriman Butler.
Sophomore D. Allen Western, of Grundy, Virginia, plays Lane Manservant; sophomore Madeleine Haagen, of Johnson City, Tennessee, portrays Lady Bracknell; recent graduate Abigail Haagen, of Johnson City, Tennessee, plays Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax; freshman Payton Chambers, of Greeley, Colorado, portrays Cecily Cardew; and senior Hannah Stam, of Bristol, Virginia, plays Miss Prism.
Freshman Rachel Schnatterly, of Joppa, Maryland, serves as stage manager.
The theatre set was constructed by students in Milligan’s stagecraft course, taught and overseen by Brian Saxton, director of technical theatre production.
“This show is ridiculously funny and will entertain anyone who loves to laugh,” said Frances Saxton, who has performed professionally with theaters all over the country. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Arkansas, a bachelor’s degree from Greensboro College and a Higher National Diploma from De Montfort University in Bedford, England.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Oct. 27-29. A 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Oct. 30, will include a 30-minute talkback, where cast members will discuss the production with the audience. All seats are reserved seating. Tickets are on sale now for $10 at Milligan.tix.com.