William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu/), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, is delighted to announce that its Theatre Company is beginning its theatrical season by performing Oscar Wilde’s last and most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest. The show is being performed Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 19, in Leggett Theatre located in Main Building at 15 East Peace St. The play is directed by Amy White, M.F.A., WPU’s Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Theatre.

The Importance of Being Earnest focuses on a whimsical body of characters who work within the social conventions of late Victorian London. This farcical comedy brings high absurdity, humor and witty dialog to the audience, with the protagonists maintaining fictitious personae to escape burdensome social obligations. The play's major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways.

Show times run from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the exception of Matinee shows on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19, which run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens, Alumni, faculty and staff; and $5 for students and children. Seating is general admission.

The cast includes William Peace University Company actors: Alex Reynolds ’16 as “Jack Worthing,” D.J. Curtis ’16 as “Algernon Moncreiff,” Rachel Pottern ’15 as “Lane,” Daryl Munroe ’15 as “Lady Bracknell,” Abbe Fralix ’15 as “Gwendolen Fairfax,” Mary Lynn Bain ’17 as “Cecily Cardew,” Hannah Marks ’17 as “Miss Prism,” Joshua M. Walker ’16 as “Doctor Chasuble,” and Tyler Graeper ’16 as “Merriman.”

“I am so excited to present William Peace University's Main Stage Production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde,” White said. “The students have been working diligently to bring this uproariously funny play to life. Their dedication and skill is evident. This is my first production with WPU, and I am so honored to work with everyone involved. I hope that this production provides a few lessons, many laughs, and the desire to come back for more!”

For more details on tickets and registration, plus other University Arts & Events, please visit: http://www.peace.edu/events/arts-and-events.