Photo submitted to Times Observer Cast of Warren Players’ upcoming production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” includes, from left, in front, Mark Hurst, Patrick Mulligan, Kevin Hunt, and Michael Stenberg and, in back, Karin Davidson, Megan VanOrd, Caitlin Webster, and Amanda Wolf. Missing from photo is Collin Maines.

Warren Players has announced the cast of its upcoming production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde’s brilliantly-clever comedic masterpiece.

Featured performers in this “trivial comedy for serious people” are Patrick Mulligan as Jack “Ernest” Worthing, Kevin Hunt as Algernon Moncrieff, Megan VanOrd as Gwendolen Fairfax, Caitlin Webster as Cecily Cardew, Karin Davidson as Lady Bracknell, Amanda Wolf as Miss Prism, Michael Stenberg as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Mark Hurst as Lane, and Collin Maines as Merriman.

Directed by Adrianne Hunt, with director’s assistant Ashley Hall and production manager Nyssa Brumagin, this up-close and engaging theatrical experience will be staged in Struthers Library Theatre’s historic Library Room. Performances are February 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m.; and February 24 at 2 p.m.

Set in Victorian London, “Earnest” tells the story of two young gentlemen who each live a double identity, creating elaborate deceptions to find some balance in their lives. John Worthing escapes the burdens of responsibility to have an exciting life in the city, pretending to be his fictitious younger brother Ernest. Algernon Moncrieff, meanwhile, has invented a convenient invalid, Bunbury, whom he uses as an excuse to gallivant off to the country whenever he pleases. When John falls in love with Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen, he is determined to come clean, but when Gwendolen reveals she can only love a man named Ernest, it somewhat complicates things. When Algernon discovers John’s secret and decides to visit John’s pretty little ward in the country, posing as the debauched “Ernest,” the situation gets entirely more complicated!

Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comedy captures with wit and charm the absurdity and delight of the Victorian “age of surfaces” (as Lady Bracknell calls it), while capturing the struggle of four passionate lovers trying to conform to expectations and, in the most roundabout and delightfully funny way possible, love who they wish and live how they want.

For tickets, visit www.strutherslibrarytheatre.com, or call (814) 723-7231. Tickets are also available one hour prior to show time at the theatre’s box office.

Follow the cast and crew through rehearsals and production – look for regular updates online at Facebook.com/WarrenPlayers.