NLT wants to teach you to be earnest

Don Vesterse

Published Sunday, November 8, 2009

Greetings, Natchez and the Miss-Lou!

Natchez Little Theatre’s third production of the 62nd season is an adaptation of the hilarious comedy of words and manners by Oscar Wilde, “The Importance of Bein’ Earnest.”

Scarlett and Rhett go “Wilde” in this witty adaptation of the comic masterpiece transplanted from Victorian England to the Old South from the creator of “Always…Patsy Cline,” Ted Swindley.

The result is the sparkling and stylish brilliance of Oscar Wilde coupled with a Southern Drawl and the hoop-skirted wonder of moonlight and magnolias. Absolutely hilarious!

Mr. Swindley will be in Natchez to attend the performances, which begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens, 60 and above, and youth, 18 and under.

There will be a special benefit preview performance at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, with a $10 ticket price and all proceeds will to benefit the new home of the Natchez-Adams County Animal Shelter.

A clever cast has been assembled to transplant this classic to the Old South.

In the Ernest Worthing role now Jack Montgomery, an Ashely Wilkes type, though not weak, but a very upright gentleman, is NLT veteran actor Stacey Carden.

Portraying the Algernon Moncrieff role of Calhoun Callaway, the black sheep of the family much like a Rhett Butler, is Jay Underkofler.

The object of Jack’s affections, Virginia Lee Stonewall (a.k.a. Gwendolen Fairfax), who has the fire and determination of Scarlett O’Hara, is Patricia Knight. Clementine Coatsworth (a.k.a. Cecily Cardew), who has the sweetness and lack of guile as Melanie Wilkes, although she is not nearly so serious, is Leigh Anne Mason.

Adding further affectation to the cast is NLT newcomer, Judy Wiggins, as Lavinia Primrose (a.k.a. Letitia Prism), “Aunt Pittypat” personified. Reverend Pinkney, formerly Dr. Chasuble, is portrayed with aplomb by Owen Shugard and the formidable guardian of all tradition, strict and formal, Mrs. Stonewall (a.k.a. Lady Bracknell) is NLT veteran actress, Lynn Mann.

I am the director and set designer and Dwight Williams is my assistant director.

Don’t miss the quick repartee and the mass confusion of who exactly is Ernest/Earnest in this most clever of comedies. Magnolias and love are in the air during NLT’s “The Importance of Bein’ Earnest.” Reservations are recommended by call NLT at 601-442-2233; toll free at 1-877-440-2233; or purchase tickets on-line at www.natcheztheatre.org.

I look forward to seeing you at Natchez Little Theatre.

Don Vesterse is the director of “The Importance of Bein’ Earnest.”