An abbreviated version of the stage play, The Importance of Being Earnest opens this week for the Rexburg Community Theatre. The production opens Friday, February 20.
“Earnest is a British manners comedy. And what that means is that it's kind of making fun of how snobbish the Brits have been in their history,” said Rob Hibbard, co-founder of the theatre.
“It's not really the Victorian area, but really close to that. It's a period piece. They're making fun of being so proper and being so formal, like they were in those days. And it's really, really funny. There's not a lot of slapstick involved. It’s all in the language and the characters.,” Hibbard said.
The crowd-favorite show is an Oscar Wilde play known for its dry British humor. Hibbard explained that they are fundraising for the theatre, and decided to hold ‘dinner and a show,’ but it was important they pick a show people would love.
They are showing an abridged version of "Earnest" to make it a more convenient evening entertainment option.
For $30, audience members will sit at a nice table and be served dinner and dessert while watching the abridged play.
Production for the show is going well. The mostly college-student cast is already off-book and enthusiastic about the performance, and Hibbard says they are working on some special costumes for certain characters.
“Oh, they're having a good time. Our directors are basically college age guys too. And so they are, they're all having a really good time together.”
The directors are brothers from Southern Utah University. One of them participated as an actor in a previous show at the Rexburg Community Theatre, and asked to help direct a show.
“I said, ‘sure,’” Hibbard said. He believes this experience will help the two learn about leadership and working in a team with a common goal.
Hibbard says he’s excited as well and believes the audience will love a big reveal at the end.
“And then right, right, almost at the very end, you find out who he really is. And it's just a sweet and very hilarious moment.”
The Importance of Being Earnest opens at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 20, and runs through the 23rd. Performances will be held at the VFW building in Rexburg. For more information go to rctheatre.org.