Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Todd Van Amburgh
The Importance of Being Earnest is playwright Oscar Wilde’s final, but most popular and most acclaimed play. Written in 1895, Wilde’s satirical humor is evident in the play’s subtitle – “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People”.
A farcical critique of Victorian society, it revolves around two young gentlemen who bend the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives and pursue their respective romantic interests. John has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind to visit the girl he adores in London. Algernon takes the name Ernest to secretly visit John’s beautiful young ward in the country. Things go awry when they all end up together one fateful afternoon!
Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play’s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways.
Show dates: July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
Show times: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3:00pm (*Box Office opens 90 mins before show time, House opens 30 mins before show time)
Location: Historic Iao Theater – 68 N Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Ticket prices: $25 – $45 (15% discount for groups of 10+. Contact the Box Office at 808-242-6969.)
Da Artsy Bee: Avoid the Wailuku parking hassle entirely by riding Da Artsy Bee shuttle from the Maui Lani Safeway to the Historic Iao Theater. After the show, hop back on Da Artsy Bee and be taken right back to your vehicle. Super simple and FREE.
Friday and Saturday Evening Performances
Friday and Saturday performances will offer regular seating.
Friday/Saturday – July 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
“Social Distance Sunday” Matinee Performances
For those patrons who prefer a little more space, Sunday matinee performances offer 1-seat social distancing. This means our ticketing system will automatically place 1 empty seat to the left and right of your party.
Sunday – July 17, 24, 31
Social Distance Sunday Show Tickets
Check-In: Please check in at the table in the lobby with your LAST NAME.
Parking: Parking in Wailuku is extremely LIMITED due to the municipal lot being closed for construction. Street parking is available on Market St and Vineyard St as well as the new community lot on Wells St.
Da “ARTS” Bee: Beginning with “Earnest”, Maui County will offer Da Artsy Bee shuttle service for Maui OnStage patrons for ALL performances. This is a FREE service! Park at Maui Lani Safeway, hop on Da Artsy Bee and be shuttled directly to the Historic Iao Theater. After the show, get back on Da Artsy Bee and be delivered right back to your car. Avoid the Wailuku parking hassle entirely! For more info, see Da Artsy Bee page – Da Artsy Bee Info & Schedule
Dining and other Wailuku info: Coming early to Wailuku? Check out the food and drink options here in Wailuku town on the County’s WailukuLive site – HERE
Health and Safety Protocols: *Please read below
Health and Safety protocols for The Importance of Being Earnest:
1. We request you stay home if you are not feeling well.
2. Social distance seating – Sunday shows will offer 1-seat social distancing for those who prefer more space around them. Friday and Saturday shows will not offer social distance seating.
3. While no longer a state requirement, Maui OnStage STRONGLY recommends and supports wearing a face mask while inside the theater.
4. No food or beverages (other than water) are allowed in the theater.
5. The Historic Iao Theater has central air conditioning which is set at 74 degrees. The zone above the stage is kept a little cooler for performer safety which may affect the first few rows of the audience. A light jacket or sweater is recommended.
*Maui OnStage’s health and safety protocols have been set in place to comply with current County, State and Federal guidelines with the express intention to provide a safe workplace and performance venue for our staff, performers, volunteers and patrons. Any and all protocols are subject to change without notice.
*By entering the Historic Iao Theater, the Education and Youth Program studio space or by participating in a Maui OnStage or Maui OnStage Education and Youth Program event, all individuals, including staff, contractors, performers, auditionees, volunteers and patrons voluntarily assume all risks related to possible exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses or illnesses and agree to follow all listed protocols.
*Maui OnStage’s current Health and Safety Protocols – HERE
