Barbara Lockard-Zimmerman first saw "Ernest in Love" during its first run off Broadway in 1960.

Almost a half-century later she still loves the musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of
manners.
Back then Lockard-Zimmerman, a retired voice professor, was singing professionally in New York City. She
met the husband of Lee Pockriss, who composed the music, while they were doing a show that starred Judy
Garland.
"Ernest in Love" was then, and now, she said, "a lovely showÉ it’s just a joyful, joyful
time, charming.""
When she came to teach at Bowling Green State University and started directing the dinner theater shows
at First United Methodist Church, "Ernest in Love" was among the first she did, and then she
later directed it for the Black Swamp Players.
"Ernst in Love," with books and lyrics by Anne Croswell, will open the Players’ season Friday
at 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1526 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green. The show continues
Saturday at 8 p.m. and then next weekend at Sept. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at Grounds for Thought, 174 S. Main St., Bowling Green. Tickets are $15 and $12 for
seniors and students.
Lockard-Zimmerman said the musical is faithful to Wilde’s original play with some dialogue eliminated
with the songs providing the commentary and elaboration on the play’s themes.
She described the style of the musical as English music hall, and not at all like the tune the composer’s
most famous for – "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini."
The singing is more in pop style, "no belting." To sing those tunes Lockard-Zimmerman recruited
voices from the opera program at BGSU for several of the parts.
In a series of screwball twists that date back to Shakespeare and are as contemporary as last night’s TV
situation comedy, the story is one of duplicity and mistaken identities.
Jack (Jason Eschoven) has been claiming to have an irresponsible brother named Ernest. Having this
doppelganger allows Jack to carouse while at the same time maintaining a proper face while raising his
ward Cecily (Amanda Agan). Also as Ernest he is courting Gwendolyn (Sara Swisher).
He lets his chum Algernon (Jesse Adam Koza), who has been using his own made-up friend to get out dining
with his aunt, and Ernest’s mother, Lady Bracknell (Elizabeth Bellavia), in on the deception.
With that set-up it’s not hard to see how the plot grows increasingly convoluted and comic.
The cast also includes Joan Manning, Bill Perry, Tod Butler, Aaron Plikerd, Ashley Flahive, Sophie Wirt
and Justin Betancourt.
Assisting is musical director Todd Schreiber, who played Ernest when Lockard-Zimmerman first staged the
show in Bowling Green.
Damian Stout served as rehearsal pianist.
"Ernest in Love" by the Black Swamp players. Algy (left) refuses to relinquish Jack’s cigarette
case. (Photos: Aaron Carpenter/Sentinel-Tribune)