Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play’s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage and the resulting satire of Victorian ways. PHOTO BY ADI ELL-AD.

WAILUKU — Maui Onstage’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” opens Friday, July 15, at the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku Town.

Directed by Todd Van Amburgh, performances are scheduled for July 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is playwright Oscar Wilde’s final, most popular and most acclaimed play.

Written in 1895, Wilde’s satirical humor is evident in the play’s subtitle: “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.”

A farcical critique of Victorian society, it revolves around two young gentlemen who bend the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives and pursue their respective romantic interests.

John has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind to visit the girl he adores in London.

Algernon takes the name Ernest to secretly visit John’s beautiful young ward in the country.

Things go awry when they all end up together one fateful afternoon!

General admission ticket prices are $25-$45. Group and “Kaunoa Senior” discounts are available.

For tickets or more information, visit www.mauionstage.com or call 242-6969.

The Historic Iao Theater is located at 68 N Market St.