Mistaken identities keep Janus’ audiences laughing

Submitted by Janus Theatre

Janus Theatre presents its first Summer Rep 2011 series featuring “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde and “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare.

The Summer Rep 2011 series will run through Aug. 28. It is sponsored, in part, by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the Palmer Foundation.

Both plays will be presented in rotating repertory, featuring “The Importance of Being Earnest” Aug. 18, 20, 26, 28 and “Twelfth Night” Aug. 13-14,19, 21, 25, 27 at the Elgin Art Showcase on the eighth floor of the Professional Building, 164 Division St. in Elgin. Performances will are at 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Two classic comedies get new, intimate productions for this summer’s theatrical season.

“We’ve produced many classical plays in the last few years,” said artistic Director Sean Hargadon. “What we learned was that our studio space adds a great deal of understanding and fun to the works of Shakespeare and other classic writers.”

Presenting “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “Twelfth Night” in rotating repertory was a natural fit considering both plays deal with mistaken identity that leads to some exciting comedy.

“For many years, we wanted to see how two plays being performed on alternating nights might complement each other,” said Hargadon. “With these two plays, the characters and the language are wonderful — it should be an excellent series.”

Tickets are $15, paid by cash or check at the door. Reservations can be made by calling (847) 841-1713.

For information, visit janustheatre.wordpress.com. Look for Janus Theatre Summer Rep 2011 on Facebook.

Janus Theatre Company is a nonprofit theater founded in 1998 that creates intimate, theatrical experiences, bringing the audience and actor closer together.