Ballet—that most poised and particular of art forms—depends entirely on the story that it is matched with.

The best theater is like a snapshot of real life, just wittier. “August: Osage County” at the Fox Theater was a look into a reality few would wish on themselves.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is not a new play by any means. Oscar Wilde’s famous “trivial comedy for serious people” has been around for over a century and has been performed around the world by a plethora of acting troupes.

For anyone who likes off-the-wall and downright silly humor, “H.M.S. Pinafore” is the play to see. The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players performed a spectacular rendition of the Victorian Era British Opera at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis on February 20 and 21.

Actor/director Jason Cannon is a nominee for two Kevin Kline awards this year, but he is also a visiting assistant professor here who will be directing the upcoming campus play “The Importance of Being Earnest” playing March 4.