The Storyline of the operetta follows that of Wilde's brilliant play. The plot hinges on two young men - John (Jack) Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff - who both use the name "Ernest" to woo two young ladies - Gwendolyn and Cecily - who have made up their minds they can only marry men by the name "Ernest". The hidden identity plot is the source of much comic confusion for the young couples and much laughter for audiences.
To further complicate matters (and add to the comedy), the consent of the formidable Lady Bracknell (Algernon's aunt) must be obtained before the young couples can marry. In the process Jack discovers his parentage - that his true name is Ernest, that Algernon is his brother, and the Lady Bracknell is his aunt. Naturally, she consents to the marriage of Jack/Ernest to Gwendolyn and the two young couples will now live happily ever after.
courtesy of Mr. Davies and Mr. Benson
|Character List (Major):
Lady Bracknell (low mz)
Gwendolyn (high mz)
Cecily (high s)
a chamber version of this opera for just these 5 characters is available under the title The Importance of Being Earnest
|Character List (Minor):
Miss Prism (lyr s)
Dr. Chasuble (high bar)
Lane, Man Servant (b-bar)
Merryman, Butler (b-bar)
Toronto Star, John Terauds, 02-21-2008; Whole Note Magazine, 02-2008; Greek Press, James Karas; Globe and Mail, Ken Winters, 2-25-2008; classical963fm.com, Paula Citron