"The Importance of Being Oscar" to be presented Aug. 22

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The UB Community Pan-Am Partnership, Irish Classical Theatre and The Baird Foundation will present Vincent O'Neill in a reading of "The Importance of Being Oscar" at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 in the Drama Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

"The Importance of Being Oscar" is Micheál MacLiámmóir's magnificent tribute to the genius of Oscar Wilde, took the theatrical world by storm during the 1960s and '70s. Material ranges from "Dorian Gray" to "De Profundis," from "The Importance of Being Ernest" to "Reading Gaol." But it is by the addition of a commentary -- cunningly disguised as comedy -- that Oscar weaves a tapestry, which as it unfolds upon the stage, reaffirms Wilde as a master of English letters and the greatest wit of his generation. It vindicates the poet's dictum that he put his genius into his life.

The performance will be followed by a special reception for audience members who hold a $30 patron ticket. Proceeds from this performance will go to benefit the UB Community Pan-Am Partnership. Call Michele Gallant at 645-2711 for more information.

The Irish Classical Theatre originally produced "The Importance of Being Oscar" in 1991. The production starred Vincent O'Neill and was directed by his brother Chris O'Neill.

An honors graduate of University College, Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, O'Neill trained as an actor at the internationally regarded Abbey Theatre School of Acting, an affiliate of Ireland's National Theatre. He subsequently trained with legendary performance artist Marcel Marceau, and in 1980 graduated from Marceau's International Mime School.

Recently named chair of UB's Department of Theatre and Dance, O'Neill has served the department for more than 10 years as a lecturer. He co-founded Buffalo's Irish Classical Theatre Company and has been the company artistic director for the past decade, during which time it has earned a critical reputation for high-quality dramatic and comedic productions. O'Neill repeatedly has been cited for his notable acting and directing accomplishments.

The Pan-Am Centennial Celebration 2001 is a grassroots, community-wide initiative commemorating one of the most significant international expositions, the 1901 Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo. The celebration features events and activities highlighting the spirit and legacy of the Pan-American Exposition, as well as Buffalo's rich history, numerous cultural and architectural treasures, and optimistic outlook for the future. Additional information on the centennial celebration is available at the official Web site, http://www.panam2001.org.

Tickets for "The Importance of Being Oscar" are $30 for patrons, $15 for the general public and $5 for UB students. Tickets are available from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at the Center for the Arts box office and at all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's and Movies Plus. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 416-870-8000. For more information call 645-ARTS.