TheatreWorks artistic director Robert Kelley stages the production that began previews April 3 and will run through April 28. It has book, music and lyrics by Gordon (Emma, Daddy Long Legs, Jane Eyre) and music by Gruska.
Morton (Taboo, Sondheim on Sondheim) plays Algernon Moncrieff, with Tee (Les Misérables) as Jack Worthing and McVerry as Lady Bracknell. The cast also features Riley Krull as Cecily Cardew, Diana Torres Koss as Miss Prism, Mindy Lym as Gwendolen Fairfax and Brian Herndon as Dr. Chausable and Lane.
Here's how the creators bill the new musical: "In the midst of a London buzzing with mod fashion, new music, and evolving ideas of morality, handsome, witty young friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff each find themselves adopting the pseudonym 'Ernest' for various complicated reasons. When the two women they court both confess to loving the name as much as the man, and all four unexpectedly meet at Worthing’s country home under the disapproving eye of Lady Bracknell, one of theatre's most sharp-tongued dowagers, a wild comedy of romance and mistaken identities ensues. Infused with Paul Gordon and Jay Gruska's infectious score, new musical Being Earnest maintains all the elements of Oscar Wilde's much-loved comedy – including the infamous handbag – while adding a modern twist and the signature charm TheatreWorks audiences have grown to expect from Gordon's work."
Being Earnest has musical direction by William Liberatore, scenic design by Joe Ragey, costume design by Fumiko Bielefeldt, lighting design by Steven B. Mannshardt and sound design by Jeffrey Mockus.
For tickets phone (650) 463-1960 or visit TheatreWorks.