Masque’s ‘Importance of Being Earnest’ Runs Weekends Through March 17

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” is Masque Community Theatre’s first production of the 2013 season, and the show promises to be funny for audiences of all ages.

“It’s a family-friendly show and it’s a classic,” Charlie Strange, the show’s producer, told TBO.com in a story published Feb. 11.

The play is a tale of mistaken identities, said Leslie Strange, who plays Lady Bracknell.

“It was first performed in 1895 at the St. James’s Theatre in London and has been revived many times since,” she said.

In addition to being the show’s producer, Charlie Strange also plays the role of the Rev. Dr. Chasuble.

The rest of the cast includes:

• Matt Bravo, of Wesley Chapel, who plays John Worthing
• Derek Buchanan, of New Tampa, who plays Algernon Moncrieff
• Gina Giordano, who works at Lewis Elementary’s media specialist and lives in Riverview, plays Gwendolen Fairfax
• Shanelle Bell, of Reddington Beach, who plays Cecily Cardew
• Mike Knapp, who plays Lane
• Leslie Strange, who plays Lady Bracknell
• Petra Sussman, who plays Miss Prism
• Dale Noss, who plays Merriman

Richard Coppinger, of Tampa, is the director, Jennifer Harrison is the stage manager, and Joshua Sussman is the light board technician.

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The show runs weekends through March 17 at the Lightfoot Recreation Center. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sunday performances at 3 p.m.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults; $12 for students, seniors and military personnel; and $10 for children younger than 10 or groups of 10 or more. They are available on Masque Community Theatre’s website or at the door.

For more information, visit Masque Community Theatre’s website or become a fan of their Facebook page.

See also:

• “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde