Arkansas Tech University will present its spring 2025 theatrical production, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” April 11-13 at the Techionery Theatre.
Performances are planned for 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13.
Admission will be $5 (cash only) at the door. Techionery Theatre is located at 1502 N. El Paso Ave. on the ATU campus in Russellville.
Written by Oscar Wilde and adapted by Jason Pizzarello, “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a romantic comedy with Jack Worthing as the lead character.
ATU student Laken Rudelis of Harrison is serving as director for the production.
“It comes at you in all different ways,” said Rudelis during an interview with ATU Television. “It ends up with a really nice message to leave the audience with. The very ending…the last line…gives me chills every time. There are moments throughout that are hilarious, and there are moments when you are clutching your pearls a little bit because you aren’t sure what’s going to happen next.”
The role of director has presented a new challenge for Rudelis, who has been a featured performer in such ATU productions as “Beauregard Bottoms” in spring 2022, “Altered Memories” in spring 2024 and “Ripcord” in fall 2024.
“I’m typically an actor, so it has been a different shift to take a step back and appreciate all the talented actors,” said Rudelis. “I enjoy it more than I thought I would. It has been a blast and I’ve been really fortunate to work with such a talented cast and crew. I think people should come see the play because it will brighten their day and leave them with a lingering message.”
Zach Jimerson of Harrison will perform the lead role of Jack Worthing.
“I think one of the key themes of this play is the ability to find those little moments of love and endearment in the chaos of everything,” said Jimerson during the ATU Television interview. “If the audience can take that away, then we’ve had a successful performance.”
Other cast members for “The Importance of Being Earnest” at Arkansas Tech are Julius Chenault of Russellville, Charlie Randall of Everton, Dallas Minnie of Dardanelle, Alyssa Purifoy of El Dorado, Cassidy Stewart of White Hall and Zack Baldwin of Russellville.
Frances Roberson, ATU assistant professor of theatre, serves as director of the ATU theatre program.
Learn more about the ATU theatre and film program at www.atu.edu/humanities/cj/theatre.php.
