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.
Ernest in Love guide sections
