Willowbrook to present IHSA Contest Play, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ on March 19

Pictured above: Willowbrook students rehearse scenes from the school's upcoming IHSA Contest Play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. The show will be performed at 7 p.m. on March 19 at Willowbrook.

On March 19, Willowbrook Theatre invites all students, parents/guardians, alumni, staff, community members and friends to attend the school’s IHSA Contest Play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde.

The farcical comedy tells the story of two bachelors who invent false identities to escape responsibilities, leading to romantic complications, mistaken identities and parody of Victorian society. According to www.wikipedia.org, the play depicts “the tangled affairs of two young men … who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations, both assuming the name Ernest while wooing the two young women of their affections.”

Willowbrook senior Malachy Heneghan, who portrays Lady Bracknell, said he looks forward to entering this show into the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Drama State Competition.

“You don’t typically see many comedies in the state competition, so I’m excited to perform a play that shows a unique range and genre,” Heneghan said. “As a senior, this will be my last IHSA Contest Play, and it’s truly an actor’s dream to be part of this production.”

Willowbrook sophomore Shem Rodrigues, who portrays Lane and Merriman, said those who come to the show can expect an evening of lighthearted entertainment.

“It’s pure madness and fun, and there’s something for all audience members to enjoy,” Rodrigues said. “We’ve really been focusing on leveling up in each rehearsal and making the clichés of the play our own and learning from them.”

Willowbrook freshman Ashlyn Ruane, who portrays Cecily Cardew, said she’s thrilled to experience her first IHSA Contest Play.

“It really teaches you the balance of being independent, yet working with others and taking their ideas and understanding their acting process,” Ruane said. “The main takeaway from 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is to be open and live your life.”

Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier said many of the 73 students involved with the show are new to the IHSA Contest Play.

“The elements and style of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ are a perfect fit for our students this year,” Wathier said. “With outrageous twists and dazzling dialogue, it turns social rules into satire, proving that in a world obsessed with appearances, authenticity is the most rebellious act of all.”

“The Importance of Being Earnest”

When: 7 p.m. on March 19, 2026

Where: Willowbrook High School, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park (in the auditorium)

Tickets:

• $10 for adults (13 years old and older)
  
  
• $5 for children (12 years old and younger)
  
  
• Free for those with a District 88 student ID or a District 88 Senior Gold Card
  
  
• Tickets can be ordered online at https://willowbrooktheatre.ludus.com/index.php.
  
  
• Tickets also will be available to buy at the box office (30 minutes before the performance).

For questions or more information: Contact Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier at rwathier@dupage88.net

Notes: 

• After the performance on March 19, Willowbrook will showcase its Short Film entry in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Drama State Competition, “The Way the Wind Blows” (written and directed by Willowbrook senior Lily Zachar).
  
  Short Film is an event in which students create an original video. According to https://tinyurl.com/5f9v9ezb, the purpose “is to encourage participation, support filmmaking education and recognize student achievement in film as they showcase their talents. The short film is both an art form and communication tool that encourages creativity in visual storytelling and sharpens students’ knowledge of conceptualizing, researching, writing, casting, directing, acting, producing and editing.”
  
  
• Willowbrook also will perform “The Importance of Being Earnest” at 11:15 a.m. on March 21 at West Chicago Community High School, as part of the Sectional competition. That performance is free to attend.
  
  
• The IHSA Drama State Competition will take place on March 27 and 28 at Reavis High School in Burbank.