WORCESTER — Worcester State University’s Visual and Performing Arts Department will feature Holden native John McAuliffe, class of 2027, in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The treasured comedy is celebrated as one of the wittiest plays in the English language. Performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Fuller Theater, located on the second floor of the Administration Building. The show continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18, and concludes with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Nov. 19.
McAuliffe, a theater major, plays the role of Dr. Chasuble.
The play about two young couples and their pursuit of love makes fun of the shallowness of the rules that society creates for behavior in life and love. While the production first premiered in 1895, Worcester State Theatre designers say Fuller Theater guests can look forward to some fresh, modern twists.
“Oscar Wilde was relentless in poking fun at the ridiculousness of English society, and while we live in America in the 21st century, some of our own behavior is just as ridiculous,” said Worcester State Theatre Professor Adam Zahler, director of the fall production. “So it’s not a big jump from 1890 to 2023 if you just look at how silly we can be. Our production attempts to bridge those 130 years, keeping the spirit of the original with a wink at the modern.”
In this digital era, audiences can also expect the incorporation of the role of social media in today’s dating scene from a creative and talented group of Worcester State cast and crew members.
Tickets are $7 for students, $10 for seniors, and $15 for general admission. To purchase tickets online, visit worcester.edu/VPABoxOffice. To purchase tickets in person, visit the Worcester State Student Center Information Desk or contact the VPA Box Office at 508-929-8843 or VPABoxOffice@worcester.edu. Tickets will also be available at the door.
In addition to McAuliffe, “The Importance of Being Earnest” cast members and roles include English and Art major Rhiannon Mansur, class of 2026, as Algernon; Theatre and Communications major Ryann Jerome, class of 2023, as Jacq; Theatre major Chantel Gonzalez, class of 2025, as Gwendolen; English major Jaclyn Morrison, class of 2026, as Cecily; Theatre and Communications major Jody Diaz, class of 2026, as Lady Bracknell; Early Childhood major Quinn Willshire-Rogers, class of 2027, as Prism; Environmental Science major Celina Moore, class of 2027, as Lane; and Business Administration major Stephen Nganga, class of 2027, as Merriman.
