Written by Oscar Wilde
Originally produced at the St. James Theater, London, on February 14, 1895.
Presented by the L.A Theatre Works
Sept. 19, 2009, Los Angeles, California
"This final play from the pen of Oscar Wilde is a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, complete with assumed names, mistaken lovers, and a lost handbag. Jack and Algernon are best friends, both wooing ladies who think their names are Ernest, 'that name which inspires absolute confidence.' Wilde’s effervescent wit, scathing social satire, and high farce make this one of the most cherished plays in the English language. Featuring James Marsters, Emily Bergl, Charles Busch, Neil Dickson, Jill Gascoine, Christopher Neame, Scott Wolf and Sarah Zimmerman."
© 2009 Southern California Public Radio
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THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY
John Worthing, J.P.
Algernon Moncrieff
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.
Merriman, Butler
Lane, Manservant
Lady Bracknell
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
Cecily Cardew
Miss Prism, Governess
THE SCENES OF THE PLAY
ACT I. Algernon's Flat in Half-Moon Street
(34 - 42 minutes long- depending on listening speed)
ACT II. Garden at the Manor House
(43 - 53 minutes long- depending on listening speed)
ACT III. Morning-Room at the Manor House
(24 - 29 minutes long- depending on listening speed)
A synopsis (a brief summary of the plot) is available here.
NOTE: The script for this play is from The Literature Network. In this live performance of the play, the actors occassionally make small changes to the original words in the script.