Acclaimed theater director Jenny Koons to premiere new adaptation of
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST in Pittsburgh
Feb. 27, 2024 | Pittsburgh Public Theater announced today the full cast and creative team for its upcoming new adaptation of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST from acclaimed director Jenny Koons, on stage March 27 to April 14 at the O’Reilly Theater. Information and tickets are available now at PPT.org/Earnest.
“It feels amazing to come back to a comedy, especially at a time when there are so many serious issues that we are all grappling with,” Koons told The Public. “Despite how our senses of humor have changed culturally, this humor from the 1800s is still so funny, even now.”
The seven-member cast in Koons’ new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy includes actors both new and familiar to the O’Reilly Theater stage, including: Veronica del Cerro as Gwendolyn; Paul Deo Jr. as Jack Worthing; Susan M. Lynskey as Miss Prism; Alex Manalo as Cecily Cardew; Joseph McGranaghan as Lane and Merriman; Dylan Marquis Meyers as Algernon; and David Ryan Smith as Lady Bracknell. Hope Anthony and Michael Patrick Trimm join the production as understudies.
“I cannot wait to laugh alongside our audiences and staff,” Pittsburgh Public Theater Artistic Director Marya Sea Kaminski said. “And to bring theater lovers and new friends through our doors to celebrate this hilarious, poignant story that has entertained audiences for centuries.”
The production’s dynamic creative team includes Emmy Award-winning Set Designer Jason Ardizzone-West, A TELL-TALE HEART Lighting Designer Annmarie Duggan, Carnegie Mellon University professor and Costume Designer Hugh Hanson, New York-based Sound Designer and Composer Daniela Hart, and Pittsburgh Public Theater returning Stage Manager Natalie Hratko. B Klemeyer, a trans artist and theatermaker in Pittsburgh whose multimedia performance work was recently staged at Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, joins as associate director. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is a co-production with Baltimore Center Stage, a frequent artistic partner of The Public.
Koons, a theater industry staple across the country, is known for her work driving innovative adaptations of classics, like her 2022 adaptation of OEDIPUS at Deaf West Theatre, which featured Protactile ASL, a newer touch-centric language, and the theater company’s first DeafBlind cast member. She directed an immersive “dance party” musical HEAD OVER HEELS at Pasadena Playhouse in 2022, and makes her Pittsburgh Public Theater debut with THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.
“When I saw it for the first time in high school in Minneapolis, I remember thinking that it was so wild that a play from 100 years ago could get teenagers laughing so many years later,” Koons said.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Written by Oscar Wilde
Adapted and Directed by Jenny Koons
March 27 – April 14, 2024
O’Reilly Theater, a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
A SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE OF WIT AND WISDOM
Step into a world of sparkling conversation, romance, and sheer absurdity! Oscar Wilde’s wonderfully entertaining “trivial comedy for serious people” introduces two debonair bachelors, Jack and Algernon, who each lead a hidden double life. When a weekend in the country gives their alter egos the chance to win the hearts of two society ladies, they learn that keeping track of their lavish web of lies may be a bit harder than they realize. The plot twists and turns will at once keep you on the edge of your seat and doubled over in fits of laughter.
Rating: PG for romantic innuendo, allusion to alcohol and smoking. Suitable for most audience with guidance urged for pre-teens.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Cast and Creative Team
Veronica del Cerro (Gwendolyn) From Washington, D.C. — but with international life — her physical training and development has been strongly influenced by both classic and contemporary psychodynamic movement/ vocal theories, circus, surf, yoga, and dance. Veronica holds a BS from Virginia Tech (psychology and theater arts), is a graduate of Studio Theatre Conservatory, earned her MA in theater from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and is a 700HR RYT (Yoga Alliance Yoga Teacher). Theater: ANGELS IN AMERICA (u/s), Arena Stage; OTHELLO, Shakespeare Theatre Company; ARABIAN NIGHTS, Constellation Theatre Company; EL PASO BLUE, ANA EN EL TRÓPICO, GALA Theatre; AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, Everyman Theatre; ADVENTURES OF HOMER, Kennedy Center; SAVAGE IN LIMBO, MetroStage; ANDY AND THE SHADOWS, THE SEAGULL ON 16TH, Studio Theatre; MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!, ROCK N’ ROLL, Roundhouse Theatre; HOW THE GARCIA GIRLS LOST THEIR ACCENTS; Roundhoue Theatre. Veronica has been working internationally with groups such as Cafe de las Artes, Movimiento en Red (Spain) Proyecto Bicefalo, Teatro del Mundo (Mexico) Film: See You on Venus (NETFLIX/SUR FILMS) (2023) @mia.moca @vronnv
Paul “Paulie” Deo, Jr. (Jack Worthing) is grateful to be making his Pittsburgh Public Theater debut. Recent credits include a ROMEO & JULIET collaboration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Gentleman Caller in Arizona Theater Company's THE GLASS MENAGERIE, and Claudio in Shakespeare Theater of DC's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
Susan M. Lynskey (Miss Prism) makes her Pittsburgh Public Theater debut! Recent career highlights: just before arriving at The Public, she filmed The Friend adapted from the novel by Sigrid Nunes acting with Bill Murray and Naomi Watts; she 'powerstanced' in comedic joy as Stephanie at Berkeley Rep in the fiercefeministfarce POTUS and was nominated Best Supporting Actress in A Play by BroadwayWorld; she toured as Manke in Paula Vogel's breathtaking play INDECENT (ArenaStage/KCRep/CenterStage) which garnered a Helen Hayes Nomination; she helped pandemic audiences find "laughter through tears as a favorite emotion" as big beautiful hearted Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Cincy Playhouse/ IRT); and Susan is still overwhelmed with gratitude for performing (as Gloria) the extraordinary life of Gloria Steinem in GLORIA: A LIFE by Emily Mann (Theatre J) in Washington, D.C., and meeting women's equality heroines Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Emilly Mann, and (yes) for meeting and performing Steinem for Ms. Steinem herself. Other selected notable work includes two tour-de-force turns Off-Broadway, in HANDBAGGED (59E59St) as Margaret Thatcher directed by Indu Rubasingham, and in THE JEWISH WIFE in the title role, (at NewLight) directed by Jerry Heyman; Also, the world premiere of Daniel Handler's (Lemony Snicket's) play IMAGINARY COMFORTS at Berkeley Rep, directed by Tony Taccone and as Linda Coffee in Lisa Loomer's Kennedy-Prize winning ROE directed by Bill Rausch (OSF/Arena Stage / Berkeley Rep/ Helen Hayes Nomination). Passionate about new work development Susan enjoys playwright commissions with The Kennedy Center, Groundfloor, NPNN, Black Swan Lab, Magic Theatre, Washington Women in Theatre to name a few and is currently working with Lemony Snicket on his latest play. Lynskey is a national teaching artist, served as professor at Georgetown University for over a decade, and is a Disability-in-Performance access artist-advocate, directing and developing cross-cultural performances with D/deaf and hearing communities in ASL and spoken word. Recent voiceover-work includes PEACE-UNITY-FORWARD for The Kennedy Center, and some superhero voices she can't yet reveal (Marvel/DC Comics). Second season for Epix/FX, Susan went toe-to-toe with Vincent D'Onofrio on TV's Godfather of Harlem. Ms. Lynskey has garnered 11 Helen Hayes nominations for Outstanding Lead/Acting Ensemble/and Supporting Actress, NY Times Critic's Picks, The DCTS Audience Choice Award, DC Arts Commission individual-artist honors, career profiles in Broadway World, American Theatre, WTR Magazine, and was named by Peter Marks in the Washington Post as "one of the top ten actors to watch." She is profoundly grateful for her loving Parents (To the Moon and Back), Susie, LBR, Jenny Koons and this wonderful production, and her chosen and theater families. Susan is represented by HCKR Agency. IG: lynskeylenz; website:Susanlynskey.com
Alex Manalo (Cecily Cardew) is ecstatic to be making her in-person Pittsburgh Public Theater debut in this adaptation of a classic play. Point Park University Alum. Since graduating, Alex has been grateful to work with several theater companies in the Pittsburgh area such as CLO, City Theatre, PMT, Arcade Comedy Theater, RealTime Arts, Front Porch, Academy Theater, Throughline, and Hiawatha Project. Represented by the Docherty Agency. Member of AEA and also a member of the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh. Much love to this cast and crew; family and fiance. Mabuhay! IG - @alexmanalo_ // www.alexmanalo.com
Joseph McGranaghan (Lane, Merriman, Chasuble) is thrilled to be back onstage at The Public, having last appeared here in BILLY STRAYHORN: SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR. Recent Pittsburgh credits include SHANTYTOWN (Pittsburgh Playwrights), THE CHERRY ORCHARD (Quantum) and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (Pittsburgh Public TheatER). New York credits include work with: LaMama ETC, Mabou Mines, SITI Company, Magis Theatre, Hudson Warehouse, Storm Theatre, Workshop Theatre Company and Fault Line Theatre. Regional: Asolo Rep, Baltimore Center Stage, Clarence Brown Theatre, McCarter Theatre, Lantern Theatre, Centenary Stage Company and others. Film & TV: Mayor of Kingstown, American Rust, Liberte: A Call to Spy, Hack My Life, The Lucky 6. Training: FSU/Asolo Conservatory. www.josephmcgranaghan.com
Dylan Marquis Meyers (Algernon) UPitt: COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY (Kynaston), MACHINAL (Lover), AGAMEMNON (Chorus). PICT: GREAT EXPECTATIONS (Pip), OBSERVE THE SONS OF ULSTER (Martin Crawford), LION IN THE WINTER (King Phillip), ROMEO AND JULIET (Romeo). Standalone Production: ORPHANS (Phillip). Quantum Theatre: COLLABORATORS (Sergei), HAMLET (Marcellus/First Player/Fortinbras). CSA at New Hazlett Theater: HIMBOS (Beauregard).
David Ryan Smith (Lady Bracknell) Recent theater includes: MERRY WIVES (NYTW); MALVOLIO (Classical Theater of Harlem); EPIPHANY (Lincoln Center); MERRY WIVES (NYSF). Broadway: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, PASSING STRANGE. Off Broadway: Public Theater, Women's Project, Red Bull, Soho Rep, Signature Theater Company, Playwrights Horizons, City Center Encores!, BAM. Film: Relay (upcoming), Medal of Victory, Bee Season.
Hope Anthony (Understudy) was last seen in A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE PLAY and previously in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM IN HARLEM. Tour: ¡ARRIBA, ARRIBA! (PCLO). Film: House of Stones (2023) & Grinding Doubt (NY Int'l Film Awards Winner 2021). TV: GetGo Holiday, UPMC, & Finger Lakes Casino, NY commercials. She is the Artistic Education Associate & Lead Teaching Artist of Attack Theatre.
Michael Patrick Trimm (Understudy) Previous Pittsburgh Public Theater credits include A FEW GOOD MEN and AMERICAN SON. Off-Broadway credits: Public Theater (JULIUS CAESAR) and New Wave Theater Collective (THE NEW SINCERITY). Select regional credits include: City Theatre (MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY), PICT (AS YOU LIKE IT), Kitchen Theatre (HAND TO GOD), Hangar Theatre (LITTLE WOMEN), Oldcastle Theater (SHEEPDOG), Ithaca Shakespeare (HENRY IV), WHAT (RAGING SKILLET), and 4615 Theater (DRACULA).
Jenny Koons (Director) THE WHITNEY ALBUM (Soho Rep), REGRETFULLY, SO THE BIRDS ARE (Playwrights Horizons), HEAD OVER HEELS (Pasadena Playhouse with Sam Pinkleton), HURRICANE DIANE (Huntington), MEN ON BOATS (Baltimore Center Stage), SPEECHLESS (Blue Man Group North American Tour), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (The Public Theater Mobile Unit), BURN ALL NIGHT (American Repertory Theatre), A SUCKER EMCEE (National Black Theatre, LAByrinth Theater Company), QUEEN OF THE NIGHT, The Odyssey Project 2012.
Jason Ardizzone-West (Set Designer) is an Emmy award-winning designer whose work spans live theater, dance, TV/film, concerts, immersive, and architecture. Recent/notable projects include REDWOOD (La Jolla), Phish Gamehendge (MSG), Jesus Christ Superstar Live (NBC), Monsoon Wedding (St Ann's), Wedding Band (TFANA), Blue Man Group, Florence + The Machine, Usher (tours), and much more.
Annmarie Duggan (Lighting Designer) is excited to return to The Public having last lighted A TELL-TALE HEART. Ms. Duggan has designed more than four hundred productions in her career. Regional Credits: American Girl Place Theatre, Chicago, LA, and New York, Skylight Music Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre, Fulton Operas House, Pittsburgh Playhouse and Athens Theatre to name a few. Ms. Duggan is a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh; she teaches in the areas of Lighting Design and Stage Management. Ms. Duggan also works in application development for theatre professionals, you can find more information about her design work and applications at www.amddesignonline.com
Hugh Hanson (Costume Designer) has designed for the Pittsburgh Public Theater (MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, A FEW GOOD MEN, MARJORIE PRIME), City Theatre (MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY’S), Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Portland Stage Company. Hugh teaches at Carnegie Mellon University. See production and design work at hughhanson.com
Daniela Hart (Sound Designer and Composer) UptownSound is a collaborative sound design team led by Daniela Hart, Bailey Trierweiler and Noel Nichols. Credits include MUNICH MEDEA (WP/PlayCO); LADY DAY (Baltimore Center Stage); TINY FATHER (Barrington Stage/Chautauqua); AVAAZ (South Coast Rep); BLACK ODYSSEY (Classic Stage); ESPEJOS: CLEAN (Hartford Stage/Syracuse Stage); WHICH WAY TO THE STAGE (Signature DC); THE RIPPLE, THE WAVE ... (Berkeley Rep/Goodman); FIRES IN THE MIRROR (Long Wharf Theatre).
Natalie Hratko (Production Stage Manager) current touring repertoire: SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION, Dianne McIntyre's IN THE SAME TONGUE, AND SO WE WALKED, UNDERGROUND RAILROAD GAME, ON BECKETT (Octopus Theatricals). Credits: ILLINOISE (Justin Peck), HOME (Fin Productions), CAPE Playhouse, Ballet Idaho, Ballet Met, Tulsa Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, The Ailey School, Martha Graham Dance Company, Off-Broadway: THE LUCKY ONES, KPOP, THE WILDNESS: SKY PONY’S ROCK FAIRY TALE (Ars Nova) BY THE WATER (MTC), OH, HELLO! (Cherry Lane Theatre), SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE (NYTW), IN YOUR ARMS (NYSAF).
B Klemeyer (Associate Director) is a transgender director of theatre and film. She is currently a John Wells Directing Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. Selected Credits: i'm starting to want to be a Mother (CMU), The Real Girls (Project Y), Adult Things (CMU), i'm not done with this body (Kelly Strayhorn Theatre), Kiss Me Mr. Musk (Single Carrot Theatre).
Ticket Information
Tickets for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST start at $35 and are available now at PPT.org/Earnest, by phone at 412.316.1600 or in person at the Theater Square Box Office. Groups of 10+, students, and corporate groups receive exclusive discounts available online at PPT.org/GroupSales or by phone at 412.471.6930.