Act 1 Productions
A highly-acclaimed performing arts company featuring plays, musicals, children’s theatre, dance concerts, and film festivals.
Act 1 is the producing arm of the DeSales University Division of Performing Arts. We encourage our students to bring truth and beauty to the world through their art forms in Theatre, Dance and TV/Film.
We invite you to join us in our celebration of truth and beauty in our production of plays, musicals, children’s theatre, dance concerts, and film festivals. Most of our productions can be seen either in person or streamed* — call or email our box office for your tickets and your preference.
The DeSales TV/Film students have been instrumental in filming these productions to deliver them in a virtual format. In addition, the Act 1 faculty and guest directors and designers continue to enjoy the challenge of discovering new ways to design sets, costumes, lighting, and sound for both social distancing and filmed live productions.
*Streaming rights are limited by the licensing organizations; not all shows are permitted to be streamed.
DeSales University Film Festival
A celebration of the diverse range of genres and styles form the next generation of DeSales filmmakers.
March 23rd 2024 - 7:30 PM
Upcoming Productions
Act 1 Presents “The Importance of Being Earnest”
(From Left) Johnny Drumgoole as Algernon, Alaina Hurley as Gwendolen, and Christian Tuffy as Jack will be in the DeSales University Act 1 production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Photo by Jack Lerch
With one important pseudonym, scintillating word play, and that famous piece of luggage, Act 1 DeSales University Theatre is pleased to announce the production of the classic comedy Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
The show opens on Wednesday, February 22, and runs until Sunday, March 5, on the Main Stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts.
This wildly entertaining comedy sparkles with hilarious situations. In the 1890s, carefree bachelor—Jack—poses as a man named “Ernest” so he can escape from the country to the city for romantic escapades. Meanwhile, fellow bachelor Algernon happily takes on the identity of “Ernest” to woo young Cecily. Silliness ensues with whimsical ingenues, jealous fiancés, and indomitable dowagers.
“The play presents as a traditional comedy with remarkable slapstick, farce, and wit. It’s a frothy cappuccino. An artful serving of outrageous satire known for its comedic exaggeration of human foolishness.”
Will Neuert, assistant professor and head of design, is the scenic designer for the production bringing a London flat and a Woolton county manor to life. Philadelphia-based Leigh Paradise is the costume designer while Eric T. Haugen, assistant professor, serves as lighting designer. David M. Greenberg is the sound designer.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” opens on Wednesday, February 22, and runs through Sunday, March 5, 2023. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m., and one performance on Monday, February 27, at 9:45 a.m.
Ticket prices are $23 for adults and $21 for students and seniors Tuesday through Thursday and $27 for adults and $25 for students and seniors Friday through Sunday. There are two Talk-Back performances with the cast on Sunday, February 26, immediately following the matinee performance and Monday, February 27, following the 9:45 a.m. performance. A 24-hour stream of the play will be offered on Saturday, March 4. Tickets for the stream are $15. The production is recommended for ages 10+.
Students who attend DeSales or any other Lehigh Valley college or university can purchase tickets for $8. Group discounts are available for all performances. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Labuda Center Box Office at 610-282-3192.
To improve accessibility for all patrons, the Saturday, March 4, 8:00 p.m. performance will feature Open Captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and Audio Descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. During Open Captioned performances, all dialogue and sound effects are presented in real-time on an LED screen that is adjacent to the stage. During Audio Described performances, all action and physical appearances are described live through a headset. Tickets are half price for patrons using these special services on this date. Please call the Box Office at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for more information.
The Labuda Center is accessible and equipped with a listening enhancement system. Special seating is available for our patrons using wheelchairs or requiring other assistance. Please inform the box office of your needs when ordering tickets.
The Labuda Center for Performing Arts
The Labuda Center for the Performing Arts is home to most Act 1 events. It is handicapped accessible, and features the 473 seat Main Stage Theatre and the 187 seat Schubert Theatre.
GPS Location: 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, PA 18032
