The Forman Ensemble Players presented the spring play, The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, in the Visual and Performing Arts Center Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater on May 15-17th. This hilarious comedy of manners was brought to life by a talented cast and crew, showcasing the depth of Forman’s theater program for youth.

“Premiered on 14 February—Valentine’s Day—in 1895 and hailed by world-renowned writer and critic W.H. Auden (1907-1973) as “The only pure verbal opera in English,” The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde has been made into a movie no less than eight times and continued to hold the admirable title of one of the most produced plays of all time around the world,” shares Lily Chen, Chair of Thinking and Writing Department, who directed the play. 

^{The following is a list of the cast in order of appearance:}

• Cecily Cooper ’26 as Ms. Lane 

• Julian Graziano ’25 as Algernon Moncrieff

• Anders Domke ’24 as John/Earnest Worthing

• Jess Martin* ’24 as Lady Bracknell

• Penelope Jackson ’24 as Gwendoline Fairfax

• Qeiva Grant ’25 as Ms. Prism

• Jorie Welshans ’24 as Cecily Cardrew

• Abby Everett* ’24 as Reverend Canon Chasuble

• Liam Bender ’27 as Merriman

Arts Teacher Tammy Grella was the Technical Director. Carrington Hawes ’25 was the Stage Manager; Abby Lorber ’25 was the Head of Crew; Jess Berg ’27, Nolan Briggs ’26, PJ Faughnan ’24, Kit Freeman ’27, Ava Gillies ’27, and Penny Kobak ’27 were the Set Dressing and Stage Crew; Liam Kelly ’25 was the Sound Board Operator; and Jayme Morse ’24 and Fenan Sloan-Arondeau were the Costume Crew.

“We hope to permeate the New England spring air with pure delight by presenting to you this Victorian comedy of manners—in three acts-—that tells the story of two young gentlemen in London, each of whom lives a double life assuming the name of Earnest and thus creating elaborate—and arguably charming—deceptions to find balance and love in their lives,” Chen writes in the play program. “Most importantly, we dedicate this production to Adam K. Man P’15, Head of School, for manifesting his vision of the Visual and Performing Arts Center—which opened in 2017—and for supporting the arts earnestly and devotedly. As Mr. Man ventures beyond his 16-year tenure at Forman, we unreservedly wish him—A. Man of Forman Importance—unmitigated happiness!” 

Following Wednesday’s performance, the seniors in the play presented Mr. Man with a vintage pocket watch engraved with “A. Man of Forman Importance” as a thank-you/parting gift. 

“Congratulations to the talented cast and crew of The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People!” said Charlene Halloran P’05, P’07, Director of Counseling. “Thank you for such an enjoyable evening and thank you for all of your hard work to bring this amazing play to the Forman community.” 

Forman’s commitment to fostering a vibrant theater program for youth is evident in the exceptional talent and dedication displayed by our students. We are proud to support their artistic endeavors and look forward to future productions.