Heidi Winters Vogel, chair and professor of theater at EMU, directs "The Importance of Being Ernest," a classic masterpiece that revolves around a case of "manufactured" mistaken identity. "The Importance of Being Ernest" opens Homecoming weekend. © Jon Styer

A “Wilde” Comedy to Open MainStage Theater

One of the most famous comedies from Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, will open the fall MainStage theater at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) during Homecoming weekend.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. In addition, the performance will run at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 29.

Heidi Winters Vogel, chair and professor of theater at EMU, directs the classic masterpiece that revolves around a case of “manufactured” mistaken identity.

The Importance of Being Earnest follows Jack, a country bachelor who goes by the name Ernest when he pops into the city; and his close friend Algernon, who seeks a thrill by becoming Ernest in the country. Jack proposes to Gwendolen Fairfax while Algernon, posing as Jack’s wicked brother Ernest, falls in love with Jack’s ward, Cecily. Chaos, both bold and wickedly funny, ensues.

Performances run 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Reserved tickets are $10 for adults, $12 at the door; senior citizens and non-EMU students are $10. For more information, call the EMU box office at 540-432-4582 or emu.edu/boxoffice. Group rates are available.