Photo Flash: Walnut Street Theatre's AN IDEAL HUSBAND

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 204th season with an all-new production of Oscar Wilde's dramatic masterpiece AN IDEAL HUSBAND. This classic comedy, directed by Malcolm Black, begins previews on January 15th, opens on January 23rd and runs through March 3rd on the WST Mainstage.

AN IDEAL HUSBAND is a wonderfully witty story of romance, insider trading and scandal. Sir Robert Chiltern is a highly respected politician whose spotless reputation is the pride of his beautiful wife and adoring sister. When an Old Acquaintance threatens to reveal a dark secret from Robert's past, only his womanizing, party-loving best friend is scheming and dishonest enough to come to his aid. As the story unfolds, it's revealed that the man thought to be perfect is flawed and the man with all the flaws must do something right. AN IDEAL HUSBAND explores morality and the greater standard that seems to fall upon those individuals in the public eye.

Oscar Wilde's AN IDEAL HUSBAND opened at the Haymarket Theatre in London's West End in January of 1895. It had its Broadway premiere in March of the same year at the Lyceum Theatre. Broadway revivals followed in 1918 at the Comedy Theatre and 1996 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Following The Importance of Being Earnest, AN IDEAL HUSBAND is Wilde's second most-produced play. The play's popularity led to multiple film versions having been release in 1947, 1998 and 1999, as well as a BBC produced television movie (1969) and a BBC Radio production (2007).

AN IDEAL HUSBAND runs at the Walnut January 15 through March 3. This production is sponsored by Fox Rothschild, LLP and Macy's Foundation. Media Sponsors are B101 and NBC 10. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Jennie Eisenhower and Ian Merrill

Luigi Sottile and Kate Fahrner