Submitted by Squalicum High School
Squalicum High School’s Drama Program opens its season with a clever new twist on an old clever favorite, “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. In this version of Wilde’s most famous comedy of manners, directed by advisor Daniel Ruiz and assisted directed by sophomore Quinn DeKubber, the world has been turned upside down and it’s the young men who are painted-up objects of affection for the women who rule London with style.
Jack and Algernon, played by seniors Tina Perona and Hannah Rants respectively, are sophisticated ladies of wealth and influence who lead double lives in the city and country – both as Earnest – in order to woo Gwendolyn and Cecily, played by seniors Will Johnson and Brendan Shannon, two “excessively pretty” young men who politely battle each other for Earnest’s hand in marriage and who keep sensational accounts of such adventures in their diaries. Lord Bracknell (senior Kyler Cantrell), Gwendolyn’s father who is as equally obnoxious in fashion as he is in elocution, will have nothing of the sort and tries to control the situation before it gets woefully out of hand, or handbag rather. It is an infamous handbag, once owned and lost by the short-sighted but well-meaning Mr. Prism (sophomore Jakob Liming) that causes a massive confusion of identity, made even more precarious by the baptisms to be conducted by Reverend Chasuble (senior Elizabeth Hanna). Who is the real Earnest? And will anyone get to marry her? Make your way to Squalicum High School to find out for yourself.
Evening performances of this “twisted” classic will be held November 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 p.m. with two additional matinees on November 21 and 22 at 2pm, all in the school’s Forum at 3773 E. McLeod Rd. in Bellingham. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 10 and under. The Drama Parent Athletic/Activity Committee will also host a DVD sale and a raffle at each performance with prizes from local arts organizations, restaurants, shops, and more. All proceeds will support future productions of the Squalicum High School Drama Club and International Thespian Society festival competitions.
