Student Actors Shine in Modern Take on “The Importance of Being Earnest”

The Mustard and Cheese Drama Society’s production of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” recently captivated audiences at Zoellner Arts Center, running from February 20th through 28th, 2026. The indicate blended Victorian satire with a contemporary aesthetic, drawing students from various academic disciplines.

A Classic Play, Reimagined

Originally penned in 1895, “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a comedic play that satirizes the social conventions of late-Victorian England. The play centers around two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both create fictitious personas to escape societal expectations and pursue romantic interests.

Blending Art and Theatre

Director Jessica Dean took an avant-garde approach, incorporating the visual style of Andy Warhol. The set design featured metallic tones and pop art, reminiscent of Warhol’s factory, and a live camera feed followed the characters throughout each scene. This fusion of classic literature and modern art aimed to comment on themes of celebrity, and identity.

Student Talent on Display

Mike Pinette, a senior accounting major graduating in 2026, landed the lead role of Jack Worthing, despite initially taking an acting class for extra credit. He shared that the experience boosted his confidence in public speaking, projection, and posture, skills he similarly utilizes as a teaching assistant for Accounting 152 and 307.

Audrey Monaco, a psychology major and theater minor, was cast as Lady Bracknell, a departure from her initial audition for the role of Cecily. She noted that her psychology background aided her portrayal of the character, and she embraced the challenge of mastering the role’s demanding dialogue and British accent with the help of a dialogue coach.

Collaboration and Teamwork

The Mustard and Cheese Drama Society fosters collaboration between students from diverse academic backgrounds. Ashton Dodge, a mechanical engineering major and the show’s stage manager, highlighted the parallels between collaborative projects in engineering and the teamwork required in theatrical production. He drew on his previous experience in theater, including roles in “Wolf Play” and as an assistant stage manager in “The Bookstore.”

Sold-Out Performances

The production was a resounding success, with all seven performances selling out before opening night. Pinette expressed his surprise at the creative fulfillment he found in the experience, stating, “I’ve never actually done anything this creative before in my life.”