Synopsis: Earnest tells the story of two young gentlemen in London, who each live a double-life, creating elaborate deceptions to find some balance in their lives. When John falls in love with Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolyn, he is determined to come clean, but when Gwendolyn reveals she can only love a man named Earnest, it somewhat complicates things. Hijinks ensue, and the two gentlemen and their ladies are in for more than they ever anticipated when formidable Lady Bracknell, Gwendolyn’s mother, begins sleuthing around to uncover the far-fetched truth.
Performances at Sherwood High School auditorium, Feb, 12-14 at 7pm and February 14 at 2pm. Tickets online and at the door.
Scenes of the Play – 1895
Act 1: Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, Westminster, London
Set Construction – Robert Eli Taylor, Mason Hartman, Dave & Christina Hein
Set Painting – Grace Hoffman & Cast
Program Design: Lorelei Hein Photography: Jeff Peters
Senior Spotlights Nathan SaxNathan Sax is a Senior. Ever since he saw the play, he fell in love with the character of Algernon. He has been involved in theater since he was nine. His favorite roles to portray have been Orpheus from Hadestown and Grover from The Lightning Thief. Exploring the artistry of theatre has been so fulfilling for him in every possible way. This show especially has given him so much to learn from the acting side of things, it’s been a great experience and an amazing show to be in. Avalon BallingerAvalon Ballinger is a Senior at Sherwood High, and is the Broadway cast’s Dr Chasuble. He has been in the theatre scene since his Sophomore year, working on the tech team for “7 shows… I think. Probably”. His favorite thing he’s done in theatre so far was writing and directing his own play from scratch. He says hello, tech.
Charlie PageCharlie Page is a senior, and is excited to present as Merriman in the Importance of being Earnest. He has been a member of the theater community since his freshman year where he played Mr. Wormwood in Matilda Jr where he gained his love for theatre. His favorite roles have been Robert/ Mr. Collimore in (the play that goes wrong) and Jimmy (Almost Maine). He would like to thank his fellow theater people who were willing to share their time at rehearsals with him.
Kylie DeBusmanKylie DeBusman is so excited to be Miss. Prism in this year’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest. She has been an active member of the theater community since her sophomore year. Her favorite roles include Mrs. Dodds (the Lightning thief) and dance team (Emma). She is so thankful for her family’s support in all that she does!
Izzy GarlandIzzy Garland (Cecily) is a senior at SHS, and has been participating in drama and musical theatre since she was just five years old. Some of Izzy’s favorite roles in the past have been Zaneeta (The Music Man), Dionysus (The Lighting Thief), and Persephone (Hadestown). She plans to continue her career in theatre after high school, but also likes to read and draw in her spare time. Izzy would like to thank Dalton for directing, and Grace and Kaylee for their stage managing / assistant stage managing.
Sophie FletcherSophie Fletcher is a Senior and is thrilled to be playing Gwendolen Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest. Sophie has been involved in theater for over 10 years and it’s a passion she hopes to continue after high school. Her favorite roles have been Annabeth (Percy Jackson), Hero (Much Ado About Nothing) and Fate 1 (Hadestown). She has been so grateful for her time at SHS and hopes you enjoy the show.
Senior Spotlights Jack FairmanJack Fairman is so excited to be playing Lane for his last play with Bowmen Theatre! He has been involved in theater for 8 years, and his favorite roles have been Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice JR.) and Tech Actor (The Play That Goes Wrong). He’s so grateful to his family and friends for supporting him through his theater journey, which he’s hoping to continue into college. Lillian RenardLillian Renard started theater in the 8th grade and her only regret is that she didn’t start sooner. Her favorite roles include Mercutio from Romeo & Juliet, and Sandra from The Play that Goes Wrong. She’s met the most amazing people and can’t wait for what next year has in store for her at OSU. She will miss theater and hopefully be able to continue it into adulthood. She’d like to thank her family, friends and castmates for the amazing experiences she will remember for the rest of her life.
Lauren BranineLauren Branine is a Senior in high school. This is her first show as an actor but she has done tech for every show since her freshman year. Most recently stage managing Hadestown. She is so excited to play Lady Bracknell and she would like to thank all of her castmates for being so amazing and inclusive. Grace HoffmanGrace Hoffman is thrilled to be the stage manager for The Importance of Being Earnest. They have been a part of tech crew since freshman year, with their favorite shows to work on being The Play that Goes Wrong, and Hadestown. Grace would like to thank their family for putting up with all of the late nights, and their friends for endless encouragement.
Special thanks to the Performing Arts Boosters and Families! To the Pirates of Pinehurst and the Sherwood Education Foundation for giving our kids the opportunity for real world experience, and for their generous support of the program. To Amanda and Amy for organizing the schedule and Gwen for promoting the shows. To Jeff Peters for the photography and the amazing commemorative posters! To the band program for these amazing musicians who can join us tonight, to the choir program for providing the voices, and to both programs for our ongoing cooperation down the forest wing! And thank you to Adam Mitchell, SHS Administration, and district office for supporting the arts!
