“The Importance of Being Earnest” Radio Play
Coming soon to a radio near you! This Oscar Wilde classic is a collaboration with Homer’s own local radio station, KBBI AM 890. Read on to learn more…
Director’s Notes
Jennifer Norton - Executive Director at Pier One Theatre
The Importance of Being Earnest is a delightful play that I have spent a great deal of time with. I have played Miss Prism twice, once in high school under the direction of Brad Kloeckle, and again on the Pier One stage under the direction of my sister Carolyn Norton. I never grow tired of Oscar Wilde’s wit, and discover something new each time I experience the play. I am thrilled to be able to share it with the community in this new medium. The idea for radio theatre has been bandied about for a while between myself and my husband Curtis Jackson (playing Jack in the show) and also with percussionist Scott Bartlett who was eager to try his hand as a sound effects man. Last fall, when Josh Krohn took on the position of General Manager at KBBI, he immediately reached out to see if Pier One would be interested in collaborating. Originally slated for this coming September, our radio production moved to the front burner when we realized we would not be able to present live productions in our Spit Theatre this summer. Josh, Scott and I selected Earnest for what I hope is the first of many collaborations. I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with actors and with audience even though we cannot meet in person.
Cast & Crew
Sarah L. Brewer as Gwendolen:
Sarah Brewer is a new transplant to Homer, and is very grateful and excited to become a part of the Pier One Theatre family, in whatever form that takes at the present moment. She is looking forward to more socially connected live theatre, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Reece Cowan as Algernon:
My name is Reece Cowan, avid lover of theatrics and Homer! I didn't grow up with cartoons like most people my age. But where I didn't have SpongeBob and Teen Titans I had audiobooks and radio theater! Hours were consumed with sitting and listening to amazing stories and performances unfold, each evoking emotion and excitement through nothing more than microphones and voices.
Now, through this amazing theatrical community and the perseverance of its leaders to keep on creating, I can do what twelve year old me always wanted to do!
Katia Holmes as Cecily:
Katia Holmes is ecstatic to be playing the role of Cecily Cardew in this radio production of The Importance Of Being Earnest. The hilarity of this play and her wonderful co-actors has kept her in stitches and she hopes listeners enjoy it as much as she has. Katia has performed in numerous Pier One productions and is currently a candidate for a BFA in Acting and Dance at CU Boulder. She is beyond excited to continue performing through a new medium and is so grateful to Jen Norton, KBBI, Pier One, and her stellar cast for making sure the theatre juices stay flowing and keeping her connected to the community.
Jules Joy as Merriman:
Jules Joy has been acting up since adolescence and in Alaska for over 30 years. She has enjoyed playing parts in Bye Bye Birdy, the Halloween version of the all girl cast of Ghostbusters, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the all dog cast of Cats and various villainesses. She loves the way theatre knits a community together and considers herself a purl in the tangle of life.
Jessica Williams as Lady Bracknell
Jessica is a performer by night and a Human Resources professional by day. In her spare time she is finishing up her Master's Degree in Arts Administration with a concentration in Fundraising and Development. She realizes that may be a lot to take in but she is very proud of all of the hard work she has done over the past two and a half years.
Jessica is thrilled to be joining Pier One Theatre in their inaugural radio program. She is so grateful to be working with such an eclectic group of people and can't wait to meet them in person.
Jessica encourages you to become a member of Pier One Theatre or make a donation, it is vital to the success of the arts. Thank you to Jennifer for creating such an empowering and happy space to work in. Lastly, thank you to Tristen, Jonathan, Pamela, Tara and Hanh, for keeping me sane and positive, I love you all.
Curtis Jackson as Jack
Peter Norton as Chasuble
This is Peter’s fortieth season with Pier One Theatre. Halfway to retirement!
Nancy Chastain as Miss Prism
Peter Sheppard as Lane
I’ve been a performer for as long as I can remember and don’t have any intentions of stopping. I’m glad there are so many who feel the same way and I look forward to what’s potentially to come from this summer. I hope you’ll come along for the ride too.
Jennifer Norton - Director
As Executive Director of Pier One Theatre, I am very excited to partner with KBBI to explore the new (to us) medium of Radio Theatre. Without the usual summer season at the Spit Theatre, it is a great excuse to try other fun ways to reach audiences and to work with actors. This play is a favorite of mine. The absurdity of the characters is a continuous delight to me. There are so many wonderful gems in Oscar Wilde’s writing.
Josh Krohn - KBBI General Manager, Recording Advisor and Sound Editor
My first experience in theatre was as Hungry Orphan in the musical Oliver!. After that, I was hooked, and participated in Pier One's youth program on stage, and behind the scenes, eventually becoming a permanent volunteer, paid in Glacier Burgers. I've enjoyed a variety of roles on stage, from the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, to Tony in You Can't Take It With You. I've also served in a number of technical positions, and have a minor in stagecraft. I'm delighted to be able to offer our public radio station as a venue for Pier One during this time of social distancing, so the community can still enjoy going to a play, while staying home.
Scott Bartlett - Sound Design and Creation