The ISU Theatre comes to a seasonal close tonight when it begins its run of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.

Director Jane Cox said the story is one that everyone can relate to. “It appeals to a very broad group,” she said. “It deals with people’s obsession with surfaces; what’s on the surface is most important.

“Most of the characters [in the play] are obsessed with looks,” she added.

The story evolves when two young men, Jack and Algernon, seek to marry two young ladies, Cecily and Gwendolyn. But the formidable Lady Bracknell and certain social obstacles make the path to marriage a struggle for everyone.

Cox explained the characters are actually more in love with the idea of falling in love than their betrothed. She added that many in the audience are probably going through a similar stage in their life.

Actress Jennifer Vierck, who plays Lady Bracknell, said her character is a force to be reckoned with. “She disturbs all the happiness and harmony in the play,” she said. “She keeps everyone on their toes.”

Vierck described Lady Bracknell as the “one everyone loves to hate the most.” But don’t think that Vierck is acting from experience. “I’m nothing like Lady Bracknell,” she added, “so prim and domineering.”

The elaborate costuming helped Vierck get into character. The period piece, set around the turn of the century, makes for a spectacle of ornate dresses, complete with gloves and hats. But the article of clothing that most set the mood was perhaps the corset. “Getting laced up in that thing,” Vierck said with a laugh, “it’s hell.”

More difficult than contorting oneself into an hourglass, though, can be performing a comedy. Combine that with an Oscar Wilde comedy, and actors, directors and audiences have their work cut out for them.

Vierck said Wilde’s humor is more for the thinking man’s audience. “Either you get it or you don’t,” she said. “Comedy is much harder than drama. It’s all timing and looking for the laugh.”

Cox agreed that Wilde’s satire takes some getting used to. “Oscar Wilde does require something from his audience,” she explained. “What is funny is the words; there’s no falling on a banana peel. You do have to listen — but if you do, you will be rewarded.”

Don’t miss the closing production of ISU Theatre’s season of classics. The Importance of Being Earnest opens at Fisher Theater tonight and runs Friday and Saturday night this weekend, plus May 3rd and 4th at 7:30 p.m. There is a matinee on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. For more information call the Iowa State Center box office at 294-3347.