The Tiger Theatre Company will be performing its first play of the school year, Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”, at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center on Sept. 26 and 28 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.

“This classic play is a case of false identities,” theatre teacher Micah McBay said. “It’s about a couple of well–to–do gentlemen in London who have invented false names, so that they can get away from their normal lives. Of course, they both end up in love with two lovely women, but their fiancees don’t know about their secret until Act Two. To find out whether the girls accept the boys, you’ll have to just come see the show.”

Auditions for the nine roles were held Aug. 12 and 13, with many students of varying levels of experience showing up to try their hands at capturing these complex and witty British characters.

“I’m very excited about our cast,” McBay said. “Regular attenders of our shows will recognize some of our regular players: Reece Griffin, Caroline Parks, Cat Thomas and Alex McBay. We also have a freshman in a lead role, Gabe Lohse, and I’m very excited about having a talented new actor in the company. We also have two Tiger Theatre members, Jake Boyles and Kyle Chassells, who will appear as the butlers. And finally, we have a new Texas High student, Cheyenne Austin, who is a junior and is new to Texarkana and Tiger Theatre. The cast has good chemistry and will do a wonderful job in their roles.”

Of course, the cast of every production consists of more than the dramatis personae alone, with several people working backstage on sound, lighting, props, makeup, costuming and more.

“I’m very excited for this show because the setting is in an era of clothing that I completely adore,” Leah Crenshaw, sophomore costume mistress, said. “It’s set in 1918 England, which means that the costuming is right between the Edwardian Era and the Roaring Twenties. I love this period of fashion because it is the bridge between two very different styles. To be able to do the costuming for this show makes me very glad, and I am very thankful to Mr. McBay for giving me the opportunity.”

Students and community members alike are encouraged to attend this classic romantic comedy, written by one of the most popular playwrights of the nineteenth century.

“There is nothing more fun than live theater. It’s like going to the movies but in real 3D. And at $5 a ticket, it’s great entertainment for your money,” McBay said. “High school is about learning and trying new things, so for all of the students who have never been to a live show, come out, and try something new.”