Information

Show Credits: Book by Anne Croswell
Lyrics by Anne Croswell
Music by Lee Pockriss

Description: An enticing musical version of a classic theatrical staple, ERNEST IN LOVE is based on Oscar Wilde's sparkling play about social hypocrisy among the creme de la creme of Victorian England.

Two young gentlemen well versed in the art of "Bunburying" (using a fictitious relative as an alibi to circumvent the responsibilities of proper social behavior) are beside themselves when they find their innocent fabrications taking over their love lives.

A faithful adaptation of Wilde's comic masterpiece, ERNEST IN LOVE features all of its much-beloved characters and most of the same production demands, with the addition of a small band. The clever, tuneful score is the perfect complement to Wilde's incomparable wordplay and immortal witticisms in this delightful reworking of what has been called "the funniest play in the English language."

Insight from the experts Staging Tip: A London street; Jack's dressing room and Gwendolen's dressing room (see EXTRA RESOURCES for a note on that); Algy's fashionable flat; the garden of Jack's Manor-House; a guest room at the Manor; the morning-room of the Manor; the lawn in front of the church. (You can find ways to combine the Manor House sets into one easy unit.) Which version of Scene 2/ Scene 3 you use could be instructive in helping you devise a concept for the rest of the show. This show was originally produced in an intimate off-Broadway theatre. For that reason, it should be very easy to keep sets light.