BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

Players of the Stage, a nonprofit Christian Youth Theater group, will present the “Importance of Being Earnest” April 4-5 and 10-12 at Citylight Bible Church, 1921 Union Blvd., Allentown.

Amber Cade, director of Cast 1, said the show is based on the play written in 1895 by Oscar Wilde.

Cade, who adapted the show for POTS, said the play is a comedic parody poking fun at the hypocrisy of the Victorian upper class, bringing out the trivial priorities and their misplaced values.

“The story starts with Jack, a man desperate to marry Gwendolen only to reveal what he believed to be a seemingly harmless lie and his rather strange origin stand in his way of attaining her hand,” she said. “Meanwhile, his friend Algernon takes advantage of Jack’s lie in order to meet Jack’s ward, Cecily, who wins his heart.

“When the lies are revealed, drama ensues, and the entire cast must face the truth head-on or find a new lie to save their relationships.”

Cast 2 is directed by Assistant Director Andrew Sterling MacDonald. Costumes are by Marian Barshinger.

Washington Township resident David Phelps, who plays Jack/Earnest and Lehighton resident Victor Luis Ramos, who portrays Algernon, both from Cast 1, commented on their roles.

“Jack is a stuck-up Victorian noble who does his best to keep up a facade of perfection,” Phelps said. “To escape this stifling pressure, he has created an imaginary little brother, Earnest, whom he pretends to be.

“While in this character, he falls in love with and proposes to Gwendolen.”

Phelps said he enjoys the brotherly dynamic he has with Algernon.

“His awkward romance with Gwendolen is also hilarious,” Phelps said. “I’ve enjoyed exploring my character and his complicated relationships.”

Ramos describes Algernon as a sneaky and devious man.

“He doesn’t care for much other than his own pleasure,” Ramos said. “He pretends to be something he’s not to get what he wants.

“I love being able to play him because of how carefree and clever he acts.”

Lower Macungie resident Grace Vaughn, who plays Gwendolen, and Upper Milford resident Rowan Beaumont, who portrays Cecily Cardew, also from Cast 1, discussed their characters.

“Gwendolen is very flirty and often gets carried away by her own thoughts and ideals,” Vaughn said. “She also loves to be in control, and she thinks very highly of herself. After all, she says to herself that she is never wrong.”

Beaumont said Cecily is a bright young girl who loves using her imagination to bring life to her dull world.

“She loves stories, and most importantly, she loves love,” Vaughn said.

“I love playing Cecily as she brings me out of my comfort zone, she is very giddy and witty and such a fun lovable character,” Beaumont stated. “I love being able to bring life to a stage for people to see the beauty in every story.”

Saucon Valley resident John Morgan, who plays Jack/Earnest and Lower Macungie resident Robbie Vaughn, who portrays Algernon, both from Cast 2, also commented on their characters.

“Jack is a self-proclaimed gentleman with a bit of an ego,” Morgan said. “He is a bit of a chaotic guy, so it can annoy him to act, too.

“He can be a bit petty too, And although he’d never admit it to anyone but Gwendolen he truly cares about his friends.”

Robbie Vaughn said Algernon is a self-satisfied, privileged man who thoroughly enjoys a good nonsensical conversation.

“He thrives on chaotic circumstances and, until he meets Cecily Cardew, loves nothing more than eating and skulking around the countryside under the pretense of visiting his made-up invalid friend, Bunbury,” Robbie Vaughn said. “Algernon is my favorite role I have ever portrayed with POTS, because of the stuck-up and arrogant attitude I get to adopt, not to mention the numerous opportunities for adding my own creative facets to his comedic character.”

Kutztown resident Grace Flyte, who plays Gwendolen, and Mertztown resident Bryleigh Barnhart, who portrays Cecily, both in Cast 2 discussed their roles.

“Gwendolen is a young Victorian lady who probably takes after her opinionated, superior mother more than she would like to admit, torn between her love for Earnest and her love for society’s approval,” Flyte said. “Playing Gwendolen has given me a lot of insight into the importance of staying true to yourself even when it goes against people’s expectations of you.”

Barnhart said she would describe Cecily as a very naive, romantic and imaginative girl.

“While such characteristics aren’t necessarily bad, Cecily has a tendency to blur the lines between reality and her daydreams. This leads her to misunderstand social situations and the intentions of others,” Barnhart stated. “My favorite part about playing Cecily is how dynamic she is as a character. It has given me a fun challenge when playing her, as I’ve had to learn to grow and adapt with her throughout the play.”

Cade said the “Importance of Being Earnest” has always been a favorite of hers due to the comedy and absurdity of Wilde’s characters and perspective on Victorian society.

“It has a humor that transcends time, still appealing to our love of poking fun at hypocrisy in those our society tends to idolize,” she said. “It also gives a challenge to our experienced actors in wordplay, difficult vocabulary, and historical context study.”

“Importance of Being Earnest” will be performed 7 p.m. April 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12; and 2 p.m. April 5 and 12; at Citylight Bible Church, 1921 Union Blvd., Allentown.

In lieu of an admission fee, a freewill offering will be taken to benefit Keystone Family Alliance, an organization that uses and networks churches and Christians to helps support and meet needs of foster kids and parents in Pennsylvania.

Reservations are required for all performances.

To reserve tickets, go to playersofthestage.org/currentshow.

For more information about Players of the Stage, visit playersofthestage.com.