June 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 2027

The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Christopher Fire

Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece marks the mainstage season finale at Aurora Players. Ernest Worthing lives a comfortable life in London courting the lovely Gwendolen and having dinner with his friend Algernon… though he’s not actually named Ernest. His real name is Jack, and his alias allows him to live a lavish bachelor life when he travels away from his country house under the guise of visiting his nonexistent brother, Ernest. Algernon is quickly inspired to bring Ernest to life in the country to rather hilarious results, leading both men and their acquaintances on a charming and unexpected journey to a happy ending.

Director: Christopher Fire

Christopher Fire is a visual artist, director, and actor whose current collaboration with Aurora Players is directing The Hobbit for Theatre in Hamlin Park’s summer 2026 production. Prior contributions to Aurora Players include directing Dearly Departed (2019) and portraying The Wolf in Into the Woods (2022), where he also earned a TANYS award for Excellence in the Creation & Operation of the Shadow Puppet elements. In February, he directed Making God Laugh for Rocking Horse Productions, and, in 2025, That Play That Goes Wrong (also Rocking Horse Productions), which earned numerous awards, including Outstanding Achievements in Direction, Production Design, Concept, Execution and Technical Direction, and Ensemble Performance to the Cast.

Chris holds a BFA in Illustration from UB with a minor in Digital Film from SUNY at Buffalo. In addition to theatre pursuits, Chris has worked in film, art restoration, illustration, and maintains a graphic design side hustle.

Cast List Announced!

Algernon – Zach Wilcox
Jack – Eric T Glynn
Gwendolen – Megan Mahaney
Cecily – Rachel Koniarczyk
Lady Bracknell – Mary Eckstein
Miss Prism – Erin Kosich
Chasuble – Marc Ruffino
Lane – Shawn Clerkin
Merriman – Eric Miller