Steel Beam Theatre to stage '60s-inspired 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

Posted June 25, 2018 11:00 pm

Submitted by Steel Beam Theatre

Steel Beam Theatre will offer a new twist for an old classic when it presents a 60's-style version of Oscar Wilde's perennial comedy "The Importance of Being Earnest."

The play opens Friday, June 29, and runs through July 15 at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St. in downtown St. Charles. The production begins at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets, $22-28, are available at www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

Inspired by the sights and sounds of the 1960s from both sides of the Atlantic, Steel Beam Theatre's re-imagining of Wilde's classic drawing room comedy is sure to get audiences experiencing the play in a whole new way.

"It's our summer season, so we figured let's have some fun," said Artistic Director Marge Uharik-Boller. "The 1960s is an era that is underrepresented on many stages, so this is a chance to use our imaginations and try something new."

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is a classic comedy that is consistently produced. At its core, it's the story of two bachelors leading double lives, who fall in love and try to settle down with two attractive and intelligent women. Along the way they face a variety of challenges. The play is filled with style, witty language and repartee. Those elements will remain intact, said director Sean Hargadon, who hopes to open up the play to today's audiences.

"I'm inspired by Oscar Wilde's rebellious spirit, which is why this production will have a rocking soundtrack, some exciting choreography, and move the story forward in a fast-paced production," Hargadon said. "I think for many people this will be chance to see the play in a whole different way that will be fun, funny, and unexpected."

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is directed by Sean Hargadon (Elgin), choreographed by Jennifer Reeves-Wilson (Batavia) with technical direction by Andy Murschel (Elgin). The cast includes Josh Radde (Algonquin), Richard Isemonger (Minooka), Julie Bayer (Batavia), Maddy Kelly (Arlington Heights), Sarafina Vecchio (Oak Park), Scott Purdy (St. Charles), Jean Austin (Wheaton) and Sumeet Chhabra (Chicago).

Call (630) 587-8521 for details.

From left are Julie Bayer, Richard Isemonger, Josh Radde and Maddy Kelly in rehearsal during Act 3 of "The Importance of Being Earnest." Courtesy of Steel Beam Theatre

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