Overview
Synopsis
Ernest in Love is the musical version of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Two aristocratic young men use fake names to escape social obligations, which eventually lands them in hot water. Jack claims to have an irresponsible brother named Ernest, who is making trouble in London. This allows him to repeatedly slip away from his palatial country estate (and from his ward Cecily). Posing as Ernest, Jack courts the lovely Gwendolyn. Jack confesses his charade to his chum Algy, who in turn admits that he uses an imaginary sick friend called Mr. Bunbury to get out of dining with his aunt, Lady Bracknell, who happens to be Gwendolyn's mother. Of course, mischief ensues and one gets mistaken for another, but after the fun and confusion, there is indeed a happy and earnest ending. This musical, just as the play and novel, operates as a comedy of manners. It was first produced on May 4th, 1960 and went on to have 103 performances.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
|
Female |
|
|
|
|
Female |
|
Songs
Act One
- Come Raise Your Cup - Lane, Perkins, tradesmen
- How Do You Find the Words? - Jack
- The Hat - Gwendolyn, Alice
- Mr. Bunbury - Algernon, Jack
- Perfection - Jack, Gwendolyn
- A Handbag is Not a Proper Mother - Lady Bracknell, Jack
- Mr. Bunbury (Reprise) - Algernon
- A Wicked Man - Cecily
- Metaphorically Speaking - Miss Prism, Dr. Chasuble
- A Wicked Man (Reprise)
Act Two
- You Can't Make Love - Lane, Effie
- Lost - Algernon, Cecily
- My Very First Impression - Gwendolyn, Cecily
- The Muffin Song - Jack, Algernon
- Eternal Devotion - Gwendolyn, Cecily
- A Handbag is Not a Proper Mother (Reprise)
- The Muffin Song (Reprise) - Jack, Algernon, Gwendolyn, Cecily
- Ernest In Love - Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A Comedy of Manners is a dramatic genre that satirizes the customs, behaviors, and social norms of a particular class or group, often through witty dialogue and clever banter. It typically focuses on relationships, courtship, and social pretensions, exposing human vanity and hypocrisy. This style thrives on sharp humor and quick repartee, making it both entertaining and socially revealing.
A period of artistic flourishing, often referring to 1940s-60s Broadway or English Renaissance theatre. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The “Golden Age Musical” refers to Broadway shows written roughly between the 1940s and 1960s, a period known for integrating songs, story, and character development. These musicals often balanced romance, comedy, and social themes with memorable melodies and large ensembles. Classics from this era continue to shape the foundation of modern musical theatre.
A common plot device in which one character is confused for another, often leading to comedic or dramatic consequences. This trope is widely used in English Renaissance and Commedia dell’arte theatre.
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Guide Written By:
Alex Morrison
Professional actor from the Metro-Detroit area