MONTPELIER — The Bear Lake Arts Council is set to hold several performances of "The Importance of Being Earnest" next month.

Tristi Pinkston of the Bear Lake Arts Council, said the play was originally written by Oscar Wilde in the late 1800s. She said it is a comedy that was written as a satire of London society.

"It is full of comedy," she said. "There's lots of spoofs of stereotypical characters in British comedy."

Pinkston said her two sons are in the play. Her son, Benjamin Pinkston is playing the lead role of Jack Worthing, and her son Joseph Pinkston is playing Canon Chasuble. 

"It's been fun to work on this with them," she said. "We enjoy doing theater together. It helps us bond as a family."

Pinkston said the rehearsals are going well so far. The cast is having fun learning how to act like they come from London society in the 1800s. She said many cast members are high school students.

"We're having so much fun putting it together," she said. "We're having lots of fun learning how to be proper. The cast we have is so talented and so hysterical."

Pinkston said the play will be performed at the Oregon Trail Center, located at 320 N. Fourth St. in Montpelier. She said that building is the perfect setting for this play because its classic color scheme makes it look like an extension of the stage.

"You feel like you're in the living room," she said. "It brings you into the moment with everyone else."

Pinkston said the best part about being involved with the play is watching the performers explore their talents. She also loves that they are able to bring entertainment to the audience.

"There's a lot that people are worried about," she said. "It's nice to give them a place they can come and forget their troubles for a couple of hours."

Pinkston said the Bear Lake Arts Council does various events throughout the year. They usually do two plays a year, and they are planning to do an art gala later this year.

"Our purpose is keeping the arts alive and encouraging people who want to participate to come out and do so," she said.

Pinkston said the Bear Lake Arts Council is always looking for new volunteers and people to audition for their future events.

"If anyone's interested we'd love to hear about it," she said.

Performances will be held on June 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14 and 15. Each performance will start at 7 p.m. except for the one on June 8, which will be a matinee at 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by email at bearlakeartscouncil@gmail.com.

More information about the Bear Lake Arts Council can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/BearLakeArtsCouncil.