The Butler Little Theatre will end its season with a laugh.

The cast is polishing up the closer, "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, which opens May 14.

The show is under the direction of Stefan Lingenfelter.

"The Importance of Being Earnest is arguably the greatest comedic play ever written," said Lingenfelter of Butler Township. "It premiered in 1895 and is still as fresh and funny as ever."

Once billed as a "trivial comedy for serious people," this classic of false pretense has garnered its share of laughs on stage and at the movies.

In the story, Algernon pretends to be Jack's troublesome younger brother; a hilarious case of manufactured mistaken identity on both parts ensues.

The show pokes fun at everything 19th century from fashions to manners to morality.

"Anytime you undertake a period piece it presents many challenges on an aesthetic level; the sets and costumes must reflect the era, but even more challenging with a piece such as 'Earnest' is the sheer popularity of it, people know it and love it, so we must honor and rise to the level of this magnificent material," Lingenfelter said.

In addition to period furniture and props being scarce, period clothing is as well, so the costumers have been busy.

"The women's dresses have all been handmade. Many hours have been spent by our costumers, Marge Bankert and Lois Eury," said Kristin Bearer of Butler Township who is serving as executive producer.

Kate Wayne of Center Township is charged with donning a handmade frock and portraying the aristocratic character of Gwendolyn Fairfax.

"She is young and has always wanted to fall in love with and marry someone named Ernest," Wayne said.

"She is strong-willed and determined," Wayne said of her character. "She is truly a delight to play."

Wayne was drawn to the wit and charm of the play and while she did audition for this role in particular, said she truly loves all the characters in the play.

"I have simply always wanted to play this role and it has been a joy to work with Stefan, the cast and production team," she said.

Casey Lazor of Center Township is delighted with the opportunity to play the role of Cecily.

"She is a dreamy, vivacious and astute young lady. She is on the verge of womanhood, and tiptoes the border between her make-believe world, and the quick-witted world of those around her," Lazor said.

While Cecily is young and in love, Lazor said she can relate to those traits but she said she hopes the similarities end there. "Cecily is, at times, living in her own fantasy. I like to think I've outgrown that," Lazor said.

The great impostor Algernon will be played by Greg Crawford of Fairview Township.

"Algy is self-absorbed, while being witty and fun at the same time. He would have been voted 'Most Likely to Not Be Allowed to Date My Future Daughters' in his high school class," said Crawford, who auditioned for either male lead but was hoping for this one.

"I've always enjoyed wordplay, sarcasm, subtle humor," he said.

The character of Algernon's aunt and Gwendolyn's mother will be played by Tessa Flannery of Jefferson Township.

"She is an assertive older woman, who intimidates all the other characters. She can be very controlling and dominates most of the scenes she's in," Flannery said.

"I think she's also a little bit pompous," she added.

Flannery is much younger than the role she plays and that provides a few challenges.

"Lady Bracknell is older, so I have to adapt my movements and posture to try and acquire that dignity that only comes with age," she said.

Dan McCarty of Butler is a chiropractor by day but a reverend by night in this play.

"I am playing the part of Rev. Chasuble. Dr. Chasuble is a mild-mannered minister who has an attraction for Miss Prism," McCarty said.

"He is requested to rechristen both Jack and Algernon with the name Ernest, so that they may be accepted by each of the women they are interested in," he said. "Being in the play, keeping a straight face and not cracking up with laughter over the lines you hear is difficult." McCarty said about one of the biggest challenges of the role.

The proper butler who works for Jack at this country estate is how Thom Hilliard describes his character.

"I find it particularly challenging to play a part that gives one minimal opportunities to do the role the justice it deserves," Hilliard said.

Also staring in the show are Tom Call and Tricia Eichler.

Tickets are available to the public beginning today by calling 724-287-6781.

<B>WHO: </B>Butler Little Theatre<B>WHAT: </B>"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde<B>WHEN: </B>May 14 to 22. Curtain is at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; at 2:30 p.m. Sundays and at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays.<B>WHERE: </B>One Howard Street<B>TICKETS: </B>$10; call 724-287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m.<B>INFORMATION: </B>bltgroup.org