The Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance will present “The Importance of Being Earnest” from Feb. 21 to March 3 in The Outcalt Theatre. As a Resident Company of Playhouse Square, this is CSU’s seventh full season performing in the Allen Theatre Complex.

This Oscar Wilde classic ("a trivial comedy for serious people") uses humor to play with themes of society, marriage and relationships in a witty manner. Directed by Russ Borski, this cheeky production is lush with mistaken identities, plot twists and madcap action.

“Earnest” is often categorized as a comedy of manners, using humor and satire to address more serious themes of social standing and inter-personal relationships. 

“As these issues are underplayed, trivial matters in life such as the choice of eating bread and butter as compared with having cake are given serious discussion,” Borski said. “Wilde elevates the simple act of speech to a competitive sport, with verbal sparring turned into an Olympic event.”

The all CSU cast includes Casie Griffis (Miss Prism), Aaron Levigne (Rev. Canon Chasuble), Steven Livingston (Algernon Moncriff), Matthew Logan (John Worthington), Brooke Myers (Gwendolen Fairfax), Emmett Podgorski (Merriman, Butler), Elizabeth Samsa (Cecily Cardew), Kyle Stehura (Lane, Manservant) and Suzanna Szabados (Lady Bracknell).

General show times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$15 and are available for purchase by calling 216.241.6000, visiting playhousesquare.org or at the State Theatre Ticket Office located at 1519 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Tickets are also available 60-minutes prior to performances at the Allen Theatre Complex. Please note that late seating for the performance may not be permitted.

There is a special $25 Dinner and a Show night on Friday, Feb. 22. These package tickets are available through pre-reservation only. A special menu will be presented at Elements Bistro on Euclid with choice of appetizer, dinner and dessert. Alcohol is not included in the price. Dinner begins any time after 4:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. This special must be purchased directly through Playhouse Square at least 48-hours in advance of your package date. 

For more information about the CSU Department of Theatre and Dance, including additional upcoming productions, visit csuohio.edu/class/theatre-dance.