Playhouse Merced starts next show in “Earnest”

British accents, Victorian outfits and arguments over cucumber sandwiches are in store for Playhouse Merced’s version of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” premiering Friday.

Oscar Wilde’s farce, subtitled “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday, with more showings Saturday and Sunday at Playhouse Merced, 452 W. Main St. It runs through Oct. 11.

The play, first produced in 1895, is a satire of 19th-century society and is known for its witty dialogue.

Merced’s cast of nine put the finishing touches on the performance this week with dress rehearsals. Chris Battisti, the technical director, said the story is filled with characters lying to cover up other lies.

“It’s a commentary on Victorian high society,” he said. “It’s less important about what you say than how you say it.”

It tells the story of two bachelor friends, upper crust Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing J.P., who lie about who they are so they can court the attentions of desirable ladies Gwendolyn Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. The men must then contort themselves to keep up with their ruse, and with Lady Bracknell.

The play is perhaps Wilde’s best-known work.

Local theater veterans Colton Dennis and Katie Brokaw play Worthing and Fairfax. Moncrieff is played by Stephen Mouillesseaux, and Cardew by Meganne Kocher. Connie Stetson is Lady Bracknell.

The show is rated for all ages, and tickets are $10 to $22.

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Playhouse Merced starts next show in “Earnest”."