GETTING SET FOR A WILDE TIME AT THE NAC!

NAC English Theatre production
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
directed by Ted Dykstra
featuring the 2014-15 Ensemble

October 7, 2014 – OTTAWA (Canada) – “The Importance of Being Earnest is the rare work of art that achieves perfection … it dazzles both with its light touch and with its sturdy construction, like a cathedral made of spun sugar.” - Christopher Isherwood, The New York Times

Go Wilde! The NAC English Theatre opens its 2014-15 season with one of theatre’s greatest comedies, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Ted Dykstra, and featuring the 2014-15 Ensemble.

This brilliantly clever and inventive 1895 comedy of manners is without peer. A triumph of subtlety and sophistication, The Importance of Being Earnest is a masterpiece of polished decadence – one of the funniest plays ever written. Stylish and stylized, this satire of London society and social conventions features true love, identities, guilty secrets, cucumber sandwiches and the grandest dame in drama, Lady Bracknell.

Over a century after its debut, the play’s high farce and sharp dialogue continue to make audiences cry with laughter.

Grab your finest Bunburying outfit and join us for Oscar Wilde’s most effervescent, flamboyantly witty and best-loved works.

Thursday, October 16 will mark Oscar Wilde’s 160^th birthday. The NAC English Theatre will be celebrating – be on the lookout for a special announcement!

Did you know that on May 16, 1882, Oscar Wilde arrived in Ottawa to give a lecture on “The Decorative Arts” at the Grand Opera House?  He stayed at the Russell House (across the street from where is now the National Arts Centre), visited the House of Commons and met Sir John A MacDonald there. It is said that Governor General Lord Lorne snubbed him.  

Featuring the 2014-15 Ensemble:
Lois Anderson, Herbie Barnes, Natasha Greenblatt, Amy Matysio, Alex McCooeye, Andrew Moodie, Christopher Morris, Karen Robinson and David Warburton.

The creative team includes: Director Ted Dykstra; Set and Costume Designer Patrick Clark; Lighting Designer Leigh Ann Vardy; Composer/Sound Designer Creighton Doane; Assistant Director Nicolas Alain; Accent Coach Diane Pitblado; Stage Manager Stéfanie Séguin; and Assistant Stage Manager Loreen Gibson.

The Importance of Being Earnest
October 21 – November 8 NAC Theatre
           
Pay-What-You-Can:                  
Tuesday, October 21

Previews:                     
Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23
                      
Opens:
Friday, October 24

The Importance of Being Earnest Points of View:        
Saturday, October 25 at 12:45 p.m.
Experience this English Theatre production through an encounter with Artistic Director Jillian Keiley, as she interviews two special guests who offer unique perspectives on the piece.

Talkbacks:
Wednesdays, October 29 and November 5, and Thursdays, October 30 and November 6.
Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with members of the 2014-15 Ensemble.

Performance Schedule:           
Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays.)

Tickets:
From $25 to $79

Tickets are available:

• Online on the NAC’s website: www.nac-cna.ca
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets*
• By telephone 1-888-991-2787*
  *A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit www.nac-cna.ca

Find out more about the NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about The Importance of Being Earnest visit nac-cna.ca/englishtheatre.

Made possible in part by the NAC Foundation Donors’ Circle

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Ottawa Citizen is proud to be Media Partner for the Theatre Series.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Sean Fitzpatrick
Communications Officer
National Arts Centre English Theatre
613 947 7000, x389
sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca