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Taproot Theatre concludes 35^th Anniversary Season with An Ideal Husband

Oscar Wilde’s comedic classic opens on September 23

SEATTLE – August 16, 2011 – Taproot Theatre brings the work of one of Britain’s wittiest playwrights to the stage this fall with Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. Dandies and diamonds swirl in and out of this comedic classic. Sir Robert appears to be the ideal husband, until a choice from early in his career comes back to haunt him. Can he be restored to his adoring wife or will the truth be everyone’s undoing? This smart satire sparkles with wit and romance. Written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Karen Lund, An Ideal Husband opens on September 23 and runs through October 22, with previews on September 21 and 22.

Although perhaps lesser known than Wilde’s beloved The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband captures all of his wit and sparkle. Wilde was an Irish writer and poet, and one of the great playwrights of the Victorian era. He is known for his short stories, his one novel—The Picture of Dorian Gray—and a number of plays including An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere’s Fan and A Woman of No Importance.

An Ideal Husband premiered at the Haymarket Theatre in January 1895 and ran for 124 performances. In addition to being produced countless times at theatres around the world, it has also been adapted for television, radio and film, including the 1999 film starring Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett and Rupert Everett.

The production features a talented cast of Ryan Childers, Anne Kennedy, Aaron Lamb, Adrienne Littleton, Joe Monroe, Pam Nolte, Nolan Palmer, Simon Pringle, Candace Vance, Nikki Visel and Sarah Ware. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Nanette Acosta and lighting designer Jody Briggs. Anne L. Hitt serves as stage manager and Sonja Lowe as dramaturg.

Following An Ideal Husband, Taproot Theatre presents Beasley’s Christmas Party, running November 18 through December 30 (opening on November 25).

An Ideal Husband

By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Karen Lund

WHEN: September 21-October 22 (Wednesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday matinees, 2 p.m.)

Dates to note:

·         Previews: September 21 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
·         Opening night: Friday, September 23, 8 p.m.
·         Pay What You Can: September 28, 7:30 p.m.
·         Senior Matinee: October 5, 2 p.m.
·         Student Matinees: October 11
·         Post-play Discussions: Wednesday nights, excluding preview

WHERE: Taproot Theatre Company, 204 North 85^th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

TICKETS: Tickets are available online at www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets/ and through Taproot Theatre’s box office, in person or by phone at 206.781.9707. Tickets range from $20-35, depending on the performance. Taproot offers a $3 senior/student discount off regular priced tickets (excludes previews). $10 tickets are available for ages 25 and under. Tickets for the senior matinee are $20. Discounts are available for parties of 8 or more through Group Sales; call 206.781.9708. Tickets for the pay-what-you-can performance are available day of show at the box office only; contact the box office for details.

ABOUT: Dandies and diamonds swirl in and out of this comedic classic.  Sir Chiltern appears to be the ideal husband, until a choice from early in his career comes back to haunt him.  Can he be restored to his adoring wife or will the truth be everyone’s undoing?  This smart satire sparkles with wit and romance.

ABOUT TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non‐profit theatre company with a multi‐faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and the Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood‐Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to our opening night sponsor, The Upper Crust. Support for Taproot Theatre’s 2011 Mainstage season is generously provided by The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, The Seattle Foundation, ArtsFund, 4Culture, PONCHO and Nesholm Family Foundation.