The Importance of Being Earnest
About the Play
The Importance of Being Earnest is the most renowned of Oscar Wilde’s comedies. It’s the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved, and indeed bizarre, characters to be found on the modern stage.
The Importance of Being Earnest is produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (Samuel French)
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
I first met Oscar Wilde in my English 12 class and immediately fell in love with the wit, the fashion, and, of course, the characters themselves. Twenty years later, I am as in love as ever. Earnest was also the first play I directed, with set design by Glynnis Brassil, when I began my teaching career a “few” years ago. I feel truly blessed that NVCP said yes to letting me play once again in Victorian England. This play and production is particularly special to me as I have been privileged to work with friends, both old and new, and have had the opportunity to work with former and current students as well as my own teacher! And now I invite you to sit back, relax and allow us to transport you back to Victorian England. The year is 1895. The place is London. And the fashion … is as fabulous as ever! Enjoy the show!
– Meghan McGuinness-Gill
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to North Vancouver Community Players’ production of The Importance of Being Earnest. This is our first production of the new season. Please be sure to pick up a brochure for our upcoming 2018/2019 season. We know that you will love the choices. If you are not already a season ticket holder, now is the time to sign up so that you avoid missing one of our wonderful plays! This year you can choose your nights for your season tickets online at northvanplayers.ca or call our ticket line at 604-983-2633. We hope that you will leave Hendry Hall tonight having enjoyed a wonderful evening of live entertainment. If you would like to join into the fun on and off stage, please check out our website North Van Community Players under the section Volunteer. We would love to have you aboard! – Fran Heaney
| Character | Played by |
| Algernon Moncrieff | Sam Fraser |
| Lane and Merriman | Grant Kowalewski |
| John Worthing | Nick Palidwor |
| Lady Bracknell | Mitchell Mackay |
| Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax | Clare Froud |
| Cecily Cardew | Brooke Walker |
| Miss Prism | Joan Koebel |
| Rev. Canon Chasuble | Doug Perri |
| Director | Meghan McGuinness-Gill |
| Assistant Director | Val Mason |
| Production Manager | Glynnis Brassil |
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
| Stage Manager | Yasamin Jamalian |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Madison Laires |
| Set Designer | Glynnis Brassil |
| Set Construction | Barry Walker, Bob Martin, Clive Sanders, Joe Van Belois, and Grant Kowalewski |
| Set Decorators | Glynnis Brassil, Robin Hilliard, Linda Sharp, Jennifer Morabito, Frances Crossley, and Sharon Lisette |
| Properties | Val Mason, Frances Crossley, Chris Stanley, Kat Zambo, Ray Boucher, and Susan Stanley |
| Lighting Designer | Simon Drake |
| Sound Designers | Anne Marsh |
| Lighting and Sound Operator | Leslie Thompson |
| Costumes | Alison Sawers, and Frances Crossley |
| Graphic Artist | Linda Sharp |
| Publicity and Program | Anne Marsh, and Pam Kearns |
| Front-of-House Coordinator | Sandy Branning |
| Opening Night Catering/Decoration | Camille Johnson, Linda Noble, and Rosemary Hundal |
| Box Office | Marie Brazier |
| Photographer | Damon Calderwood |
| Videographer | Paul Paterson |
| Original Performance Dates | September 7 to 22, 2018 |
| Venue | The Theatre at Hendry Hall, North Vancouver, BC |
| Production Length | 1 hour and 40 minutes |
| Production Style | Comedy |
| Special Thanks To | Lorraine McNeight (St. Christopher’s Church), Boo La La, Sentinel Stage, Carol Seary, North Shore News, Leslie Whittaker, Kosmo Ng, Nona Jalali, and Sean Barton |
| Meghan McGuinness Gill | Director – A drama teacher by day and theatre enthusiast all of the time, Meghan is thrilled to once again be directing for NVCP. Previous shows at Hendry Hall include: Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, Rapunzel, She Stoops to Conquer, Lock Up Your Daughters, The Melville Boys and Jolly Good Company. Thank you to an absolutely fabulous cast and crew for bringing her all-time favourite play to life! Special thanks to her husband, Nick, and her family for their unending love and support. Enjoy the show! |
| Val Mason | Assistant Director – Val has been involved with NVCP on and off since 1982. Most recent directing credits include Mary, Mary in 2016 and Yesteryear in 2017. Props for Crimes of the Heart, Roadside Vigil and Irma Vep. |
| Sam Fraser | Algernon Moncrieff – Sam is an actor and writer from North Vancouver. This is his first production with NVCP, and he is thrilled to be gorging himself on cucumber sandwiches for your entertainment! Recent credits include The Music Man (Highlands United Productions) and Dracula (Deep Cove Stage Society). |
| Grant Kowalewski | Lane and Merriman – Grant is making his Hendry Hall debut with this very funny cast. He previously appeared in The Music Man (Highlands United) and Twelfth Night (Beach House). He is an accomplished musician. When not acting, he designs games, bakes bread, and fills his Kobo with books he forgets to read. |
| Nick Palidwor, | John Worthing – Nick is an actor, writer and funny man and thanks the lovely cast and crew for making everything so much fun. Past credits include: The Understudy, She Stoops to Conquer, Bluff (NVCP), Leading Ladies, Ten x Two: The Eternal Courtship (Deep Cove Stage Society). Thanks to Camille and Clark for letting him play. |
| Mitchell Mackay | Lady Bracknell – One more role off the bucket list! Mitchell is grateful to Meghan for the opportunity. Mitchell last appeared at Hendry Hall in Sylvia as Phyllis the New York socialite, and will be taking on the role of Dame Fanny Firkin in his partner Peter Zednik’s new adaptation of Treasure Island this Christmas Are you noticing a trend here? Many thanks to the cast and crew of Ernest for all their support Now where did he put that damn Handbag! |
| Clare Froud | Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax – Clare first played Gwendolen back in the UK in 2008 and is honoured to play the part again alongside a talented cast, crew and gifted director. Having hit the NVCP stage in 2013, Clare has been seen in The 39 Steps, Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, Charley’s Aunt and, most recently, as Annelle in Steel Magnolias. A special thanks to Mum and Dad Froud for making the trip across the pond to enjoy this show! |
| Brooke Walker | Cecily Cardew – Brooke would like to thank Meghan for giving her the opportunity to play one of her all-time favourite characters, and be part of this amazing cast and crew. She made her Vancouver theatre debut producing and starring in Good Egg, and landed the role of Carla Crale for Agatha Christie’s Go Back for Murder at Kay Meek Studio Theatre. She has also been in musicals, such as Footloose and Godspell. |
| Joan Koebel | Miss Prism – Joan was last seen in Enchanted April at Hendry Hall. Recent credits include Dorothy (Glorious), White Rock Players, Bubbie (Crossing Delancey), and Jessie (Calendar Girls) Metro Theatre. She also had great fun reading Scrooge in Peninsula Production’s staged reading of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol. Joan also attempts to organize the madcap Seniors Acting Up, sings with the Londoners and returns each year to co-direct the annual musical at Westerman Elementary. |
| Doug Perri | Rev. Canon Chasuble – This is Doug’s stage debut with NVCP, and he thanks Meghan and the cast for their support. Doug has appeared on stage with Deep Cove Stage Society, First Impression Theatre and, most recently, with Vagabond Players in Hidden in this Picture. |