The Importance of Being Earnest
by Austin Playhouse
Sep. 19 - Oct. 19
Thursdays-Sundays
Fake names, real feelings, and plenty of tea to spill. Jack and Algernon invent alter egos to escape their duties, but get tangled in a mess including mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and two extremely judgmental butlers. Wilde’s razor-sharp wit skewers social conventions as Victorian etiquette turns into pure comedic chaos.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.
To evade social obligations, two men about the town, John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, both lead double lives using the name “Ernest” resulting in romantic entanglements and comedic misunderstandings.
“We’re kicking off our 26th season with one of the most brilliant comedies ever written and one of my all-time favorite plays. Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece is full of captivating characters and some of the most quotable dialogue ever written. And it’s so very, very funny,” said director Toner Haddock. “We’ve moved the setting up a few years to 1905 to lean a little more fully into the excess of the Edwardian era. Wilde’s wit moves quickly, never telegraphing the laughs. We can’t wait for Austin audiences to rediscover the joy of his work.”
Casting for The Importance of Being Earnest includes Bailey Ellis as Algernon Moncrieff; Devin Finn as Jack Worthing, J.P; Sarah Zeringue as Gwendolen Fairfax; Vivian Noble as Cecily Cardew; Gina Houston as Miss Prism; Lowell Bartholomee as Reverend Chasuble; Tom Parker as Lane/Merriman; and Babs George as Lady Augusta Bracknell.
Directed by Lara Toner Haddock. The production team also includes Mark Novick as lighting designer; Buffy Manners as costume designer; Mike Toner as scene designer; Sarah Zeringue as properties designer; Robert S. Fisher as sound designer; and Barry Miller as production stage manager.
Performances will take place at Austin Playhouse, located in the heart of West Campus at 405 West 22nd St. Free street parking is available with paid parking conveniently located one block away at the UT Co-Op Parking Garage at 2214 San Antonio St.
Age Recommendation: 12+ and up; Children under 5 are not permitted.
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Austin Playhouse
September 19 - October 19, 2025
September 19–October 19, 2025
Thurs – Sat at 7:30 p.m. | Sun at 2:00 p.m.
Austin Playhouse (West Campus location) | 405 West 22nd St. | Austin TX 78705
Ticketing Information: Tickets for the 2025-2026 Season range from $24-52 with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and Half-Price Student Tickets. Group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Group inquiries can be made at boxoffice@playhouse.com. Single tickets on sale now at austinplayhouse.com.
