The Sunrise Theater presents Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," a Live in HD production, at 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2.

"The Sunrise Theater is one of only two in North Carolina offering this fantastic show," says a spokesman.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is a comedy of mistaken identity, which ridicules codes of propriety and etiquette. Dashing men-about-town John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pursue fair ladies Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. Matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both men to cover their on-the-sly activities - not to mention the disapproval of Gwendolen's mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is a comedic masterpiece about class, courtship and good old-fashioned name dropping. Tony Award-winner Brian Bedford directs and stars as Lady Bracknell in this trivial comedy for serious people.

This landmark Roundabout Theatre Company production will delight audiences and critics alike.

"All of us at Roundabout are delighted to be the first American not-for-profit theater company to tackle a transmission to movie theaters," says artistic director Todd Haimes. "It is a great thrill to be able to bring Brian Bedford's amazing production to audiences around the world. We are happy to work with Susan Loewenberg, of L.A. Theatre Works - whose work I have always admired - and Julie and Robert Borchard-Young, of BY Experience, who are experts in HD capture and distribution. I'm thankful to have Susan & BY Experience partnering with us, to ensure that the show is captured and shared with movie audiences in the highest quality possible."

"I am in awe of Todd Haimes and Roundabout," says Susan Loewenberg, of L.A. Theatre Works. "In his time as artistic director, he has built the theater to be one of the premier nonprofit theater companies in the United States. If you look at our catalog of recorded plays, our selection closely mirrors Roundabout's production history. And we recently recorded their hit productions of 'The Glass Menagerie' and 'Speech & Debate.'So I have to believe that the theater gods are blessing this union and I'm thrilled to proceed with 'Earnest.'"

The historic nonprofit Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St., in downtown Southern Pines. It offers 360 seats, high-definition broadcasting capabilities, friendly staff and concessions including wine and beer. Several fine restaurants and shops are within walking distance.

Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door. Call (910) 692-8501 or visit Sunrisetheater.org to purchase tickets.