The Importance of Being Earnest

St. Michael Academy (SMA), Northern Michigan’s only Classical Catholic high school, is proud to present its premiere dramatic production of The Importance of Being Earnest (in One Act), by Oscar Wilde, at Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) on May 10^th at 7pm and May 11^th at 3pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $10 for a family.
 
The Importance of Being Earnest is suitable for all ages.  Set in 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym (“Earnest”) for their on-the-sly activities.  Hilarity ensues as each must prove himself to his choice of lady. The result?... Family and cucumber sandwiches!
 
The production has benefited from the participation of the entire SMA student body — on stage, back stage, and in production management roles such as marketing and concessions.  Students have rehearsed lines, gathered props, and assembled costumes under the co-directorship of SMA teachers Mr. Dale Hull, former Executive Director of Crooked Tree Arts Center, and Dr. Mary Sims.  Assistant Director Gillian Gagnon, a graduating senior at SMA, has led the students with professionalism and finesse as their chief organizer, list tracker, people mover, and performer.
 
Through a cooperative arrangement with the professionals of the Little Traverse Civic Theatre (LTCT), the students learned how to plan and implement the technical aspects of a dramatic production and how to design a stage for maximum artistic benefit.  The tutelage of the LTCT, and the generous hosting of our play by CTAC, have allowed SMA to bring this timeless production to the stage.
 
“But the real heartbeat of the production has been the students,” enthused Dr. Sims.  “They have shown remarkable growth and professionalism in the execution of their roles within the production, and the outcome will be a delight to watch.”
  
The students of SMA cordially invite you to share the fun with them as they seek out the “real” Earnest, this Friday and Saturday, May 10^th and 11^th at the Crooked Tree Arts Center, Ross Stoakes Theatre, located at 461 East Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey.
 
Established in 2013, SMA is the first Catholic high school in the Little Traverse area since 1972, and Northern Michigan’s only high school offering a Classical Curriculum. SMA strives to develop the whole person, cultivating academic, moral, and all-around excellence in its students, from within a caring and attentive environment.