The public is invited to see four one-act plays this afternoon as Albert Lea High School hosts a sub-sectional tournament.

Albert Lea’s one-act team will perform “The Importance of Being Earnest,” a play by Oscar Wilde. Director Lilah Aas said the play puts the students out of their comfort zones as actors.

“It’s been a challenge for these students to learn the language — it’s not like how people talk today,” Aas said.

The show is a classic comedy, and Aas said every level of theater performs the play. The other teams competing are from Kasson-Mantorville High School, Austin High School and Winona Senior High School. Two schools will advance to the section finals, which are scheduled for Feb. 2 at Lakeville South High School. The state competition is scheduled for Feb. 9-10, and Albert Lea last competed at the state level in 2008.

The public is invited to attend the shows, and there is no admission fee. Kasson-Mantorville will perform at 4 p.m., Albert Lea at 4:45 p.m., Austin at 5:45 p.m. and Winona at 6:30 p.m. Results will be announced at 7:30 p.m.

“We encourage people to come see four very different plays,” Aas said. “The students work extremely hard, and it will be a fun afternoon.”

Albert Lea’s cast includes Matt Attig as Jack Worthing, Nick Bera as Algernon Moncrieff, Claire Buendorf as Lady Bracknell, Stephi Falk as Gwendolen Fairfax, Claire Ellis as Cecily Cardew, Emma Behling as Miss Prism, Duncan Kromminga as the Rev. Chasuble, Sergio Salgado as Lane, Jordan Vano as Merriman, and Matt Bera, Solveig Lange, Julia Otten and Tanner Shaft as attendants.

Student directors are Alex Janke and Gretta Johnson. Lighting technician is Mallorie Gil. John Fure is the set’s designer and technical director.

 

Tickets, please

What: One-act teams compete

Where: Albert Lea High School auditorium

When: today; shows are at 4 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Results will be available at 7:30 p.m.

How much: free admission