The stage at Auburn Public Theater will soon get a taste of Irish playwright Oscar Wilde's intricate humor when the Auburn Players transform into the love-struck and innocently deceitful characters of “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Jill Connor / The Citizen
Characters John Worthing and Gwendolen Fairfax, in the Auburn Players' production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," act out a scene for the performance at the Auburn Public Theater.
Characters John Worthing and Gwendolen Fairfax, in the Auburn Players' production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," act out a scene for the performance at the Auburn Public Theater.
The Auburn Players' three performances of the play, considered by many to be Wilde's masterpiece, will be long-time Players' actor Collin Sullivan's directing debut.
“This play has always been a passion of mine,” Sullivan said. “There are lines in there I think until the day I die will make me chuckle.”
The play begins with the story of Jack Worthington, who escapes his life as the caretaker of his adoptive father's granddaughter by traveling to London to see Ernest, his fictional brother and alibi when abroad. The story quickly unravels into multiple story lines of impersonation, lust and superficiality, all held together by a name: Ernest.
For Sullivan, the importance of “Earnest” dates back to his years at Auburn High School. His first acting experience was being cast as Jack Worthington in the high school's production of Wilde's comedy.
His role in “Earnest” as a high school student propelled him to continue acting, Sullivan said. Now, as a director, he hopes to be able to impart on newer members of the cast some of the lessons he has learned about acting.
“The most important lesson is honesty,” Sullivan said. He encourages his actors to find a connection with their characters, to understand and react to lines as their characters would.
The Players' performance will star old-hands at theater as well as newcomers to the group. More than 30 people auditioned for just a handful of roles, Sullivan said. Though he could have, Sullivan did not cast the entire play with familiar faces.
“I think there is also value in bringing new people in,” he said. After all, “Earnest” was the first shot he was given at acting and feels compelled to give other newcomers a chance.
More important than experience is being the perfect fit for a part, Sullivan said, especially in a play filled with Wilde characters.
In his rendition of “Earnest,” Sullivan said he plans to emphasize the relationship between the characters and highlight the actors.
“People go to see a play because they want what they can't get at a movie - a personal connection,” he said. “The best way to do that is strip away the extra layers of spectacle.”
The stage will be set with no more furniture or scenery than is absolutely necessary, he said, to focus all attention on the characters. “So that the characters can create a world for the audience,” Sullivan said.
Sarah Gantz
253-5311 ext. 237
sarah.gantz@lee.net
If you go.
What: Auburn Players present “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
Where: Auburn Public
Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $12 general admission, $10 seniors and students
Info: Call 258-8275
“This play has always been a passion of mine,” Sullivan said. “There are lines in there I think until the day I die will make me chuckle.”
The play begins with the story of Jack Worthington, who escapes his life as the caretaker of his adoptive father's granddaughter by traveling to London to see Ernest, his fictional brother and alibi when abroad. The story quickly unravels into multiple story lines of impersonation, lust and superficiality, all held together by a name: Ernest.
For Sullivan, the importance of “Earnest” dates back to his years at Auburn High School. His first acting experience was being cast as Jack Worthington in the high school's production of Wilde's comedy.
His role in “Earnest” as a high school student propelled him to continue acting, Sullivan said. Now, as a director, he hopes to be able to impart on newer members of the cast some of the lessons he has learned about acting.
“The most important lesson is honesty,” Sullivan said. He encourages his actors to find a connection with their characters, to understand and react to lines as their characters would.
The Players' performance will star old-hands at theater as well as newcomers to the group. More than 30 people auditioned for just a handful of roles, Sullivan said. Though he could have, Sullivan did not cast the entire play with familiar faces.
“I think there is also value in bringing new people in,” he said. After all, “Earnest” was the first shot he was given at acting and feels compelled to give other newcomers a chance.
More important than experience is being the perfect fit for a part, Sullivan said, especially in a play filled with Wilde characters.
In his rendition of “Earnest,” Sullivan said he plans to emphasize the relationship between the characters and highlight the actors.
“People go to see a play because they want what they can't get at a movie - a personal connection,” he said. “The best way to do that is strip away the extra layers of spectacle.”
The stage will be set with no more furniture or scenery than is absolutely necessary, he said, to focus all attention on the characters. “So that the characters can create a world for the audience,” Sullivan said.
Sarah Gantz
253-5311 ext. 237
sarah.gantz@lee.net
If you go.
What: Auburn Players present “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
Where: Auburn Public
Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $12 general admission, $10 seniors and students
Info: Call 258-8275
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