Close Up · In partnership with Chicago Opera Theater
The Importance of Being Earnest
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM. A 90-minute behind-the-scenes evening with the creative team, plus live musical excerpts. Free with advance registration.
Oscar Wilde's wit. A new musical voice. A timeless satire.
Behind the Scenes of an Operatic Gem
Join us at the Irish American Heritage Center for a special evening presented in partnership with Chicago Opera Theater, exploring the wit, humor, and musical brilliance behind The Importance of Being Earnest.
Ahead of COT's upcoming Chicago premiere of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's operatic adaptation of Oscar Wilde's beloved comedy, this engaging 90-minute program offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of Wilde's razor-sharp satire into an extraordinary musical work.
Date
Wednesday
November 18, 2026
Time
7:00 PM
About 90 minutes
Location
The IAHC
4626 N. Knox Ave, Chicago
What We'll Explore
Wilde, Set to Music
Wilde’s Wit
A razor-sharp satire of Victorian society, marriage, class, and identity that still lands a century later.
A New Musical Voice
How Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco transformed Wilde’s comedy into an extraordinary, rarely performed opera.
Behind the Scenes
The creative team on staging the premiere — from direction and conducting to literary scholarship.
The Conversation
Meet the Panel
Lawrence Edelson
ModeratorGeneral Director of Chicago Opera Theater, guiding the conversation.
Brenna Corner
DirectorDirector of COT’s upcoming production of the opera.
Kamna Gupta
ConductorConductor of the Chicago premiere, on the score and its musical wit.
Jeffrey C. Kessler
ScholarScholar at the University of Illinois Chicago, on Wilde and his world.
Live Musical Excerpts
The evening features live musical excerpts from the upcoming production, giving audiences an exclusive preview of this rarely performed operatic gem — Castelnuovo-Tedesco bringing Wilde's unforgettable characters, clever dialogue, and theatrical humor to life through opera.
Coming Soon
The Chicago Premiere
This discussion leads up to Chicago Opera Theater's Chicago premiere of The Importance of Being Earnest, running December 2–6, 2026, at the Studebaker Theater. Experience Wilde's beloved comedy in an entirely new way as mistaken identities, romantic misadventures, and irresistible wit take the stage.
Studebaker Theater · Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
Whether you're a lifelong Oscar Wilde admirer, an opera enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of literature, music, and theater, this special evening offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the artistry behind an exciting Chicago premiere. Join us for an evening of wit, music, and conversation at the IAHC.
Quick Info
4626 N. Knox Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630
Registration
FREE
Admission is free, but seating is limited and advance registration is required. Register online, or call the Center and we'll add you to the list.
Register Now 773-282-7035November 18 · Irish American Heritage Center
An Evening of Wit, Music & Conversation
Free admission with advance registration. Reserve your place for a rare look inside the making of a Chicago opera premiere.