The Importance of Being Earnest

Performances

February 28, 1933

Venue

Illini Theatre

Synopsis

A farcical comedy in which the protagonist maintains a fictional personae in order to escape burdensome social obligations. Its high farce and witty dialogue have made this play one of enduring popularity throughout the past century.

Author: Oscar Wilde

Historian’s Corner

Both “Fashion” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” were given one night runs in the season. In each case the shows performed to full houses. One such reason may have been that the owner’s of the
Illini theater were becoming leery of renting the theater to Players as it cut into what was being called their regular business. I could find no other reason after researching old scrap books and minutes of board meetings of this season. “The Importance of Being Earnest” would be the final play for Community Players at The Illini Theatre. To close out their tenth season, Players would return to the location where they played most of their first two seasons, Turner Hall, which was now called The Eagles Hall.