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Ausrine Stundyte as Cio-Cio-San, Elizabeth Janes as Butterfly’s child and Sarah Larsen as Suzuki in Seattle Opera's production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Photo by Elise Bakketun.
North American Works Directory Listing
Earnest, The Importance of Being
Composer: Victor Davies
Librettist: Eugene Benson
Other Artistic Personnel: Jeffrey Huard (Musical Director)
Guillertmo Silva Marin (Artistic Director)
Premiere Date: February 22, 2008
Producing Company: Toronto Operetta Theatre
Description: 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)
Jack (bar)
Algernon (t)
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)
Bit Parts: Lane, Man Servant (b-bar)
Merryman, Butler (b-bar)
Reviews: 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
Length: 02:00
Total Acts: 2
Contact: Lori Davies, Lily Pad Productions/Golden Toad Music
Address: 797 Don Mills Road #1111
Toronto ON M3C 1V1
E-mail Address: ldavies@goodmedia.com
Phone: 416-422-1736
416-422-0432
Composer Web Site: http://www.victordavies.com

Spring 2013 Magazine Issue
  • Letter from the President/CEO
  • Of One: The Quest for Asian Fusion in the Opera House
  • Vancouver: Where Nature Nurtures Art
  • Inheriting the Wind
  • My First Time
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