RHS Play: The Importance of Being Earnest

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Nicholas Yee

Each November, Rutherford High School presents its fall drama. This year's play, The Importance of Being Earnest, is a delightfully witty farce where secret identities, confusion, and hilarity abound. This year's cast cannot wait to perform for audiences twice this upcoming weekend; once on Friday, 11/14, and once on Saturday, 11/15, at 7 pm. This is Rutherford interviewed the Director of the play, Mrs. Patricia Blanchard.

TIR: Why did you choose this year’s play?

Patricia Blanchard: After last year's successful production of Clue, I wanted to do another comedic play. I came across a production of The Importance of Being Earnest, and I knew it would be a great fit for our students. It's funny, witty, quick-paced, and very entertaining.

Kelly Dudonis, Charlotte Ersalesi, Nina Tavani, RJ Cusick, Braedon McQuade, Emma Tuccino, Franklin Weiss, Makenna Micek, and Valerie Weiss

TIR: What can audiences expect to see?

PB: Audiences are in for a real treat. The show was written in the late 1800s by the brilliant author, Oscar Wilde, but it has not lost its humor and relatability. The students had to work very hard to convey the meaning of the text through their acting and performance.

TIR: Tell us about the actors in this cast.

PB: Seniors Braedon McQuade and RJ Cusick play the main characters, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff. I have been fortunate to work with both students all four years in high school, and it's so nice to see how their talent and acting abilities have grown and developed. I'm so proud of all of their hard work. Junior Nina Tavani plays Gwendolyn Fairfax, and she is an incredibly talented actress. Sophomores Charlotte Ersalesi and Emma Tuccino play the roles of Lady Bracknell and Cecilly Cardew respectively. Both had smaller roles last year, and it is great to see them display their talents in larger roles this year. The cast is rounded out by seniors Franklin Weiss (Dr. Chasuble), Kelly Dudonis (Merriman) and sophomores Makenna Micek (Miss Prism) and Val Weiss (Lane). All of the students have a great understanding of their characters, and have worked extremely hard to develop their characters throughout the process. 

TIR: How has the stage crew and production team been preparing for the show?

PB: The set was once again constructed with the help of former RHS alum, Joe Cisneros. The crew built, painted, and helped to design the different scenes in the production. From the sound crew, to lights, to props, and building, it's truly been a team effort. I'm fortunate enough to be joined by former RHS alum Sarah Dzurillay as technical director this year. Sarah was my former student, and it's been such a full-circle moment working with her on this amazing production. 

TIR: What else can you tell us about this upcoming show and the theatrical program at RHS?

PB: We are fortunate to be building a strong theatrical program here at RHS under the direction of Ms.Courtney McManus. We also have the support of our administration to continue to put on these worthy productions that highlight the student talent in Rutherford. While The Importance of Being Earnest may not be a well-known play, it is definitely worth seeing. The student actors are amazing, the story is humorous, and it is sure to be an entertaining evening out. We look forward to seeing you this weekend at Rutherford High School. It is not to be missed!

This is Rutherford also interviewed some of the cast members.

TIR: What are you enjoying most about working on this show?

Braedon McQuade

Braedon McQuade (plays Jack Worthing): I am enjoying the dynamics and chemistry between us actors on stage. It is amazing to work with outstanding actors, who are also my friends! This is not an easy show, and it has challenged all of us, but it is 110% worth it!

Nina Tavani (plays Gwendolyn Fairfax): I am most enjoying being able to put on such a legendary, comedic show by an author whom I admire very much. Every page is filled with witty remarks, intelligent observations, and straight-up hilarity. I love being able to interpret Wilde's words and put a modern spin on them so that our audience is able to enjoy the plot in today's day and age.

TIR: What are you most excited for audiences to see?

BM: I am most excited for the audience to see how funny and entertaining the show is. I love how hilarious and random the show is, and I hope the audience does too. The one thing I believe will stick with the audience is the whole idea of Bunburying. You'll understand that incomparable expression during the show!

Nina Tavani

NT: I am most excited for the audience to see our great enthusiasm and the connection this cast has together. I think we work very well together, and that will translate positively for all those who watch us. I hope the audience laughs and enjoys themselves above all else.