The 40th annual Spoleto Festival USA, which fills Charleston, SC's theatres, churches and outdoor spaces with opera, theatre, dance and more for 17 days and nights each year, launches May 26. An annual event since 1977, the Festival continues through June 12.

Of interest to theatre fans are productions of Porgy and Bess and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Dublin’s Gate Theatre is making its 10th appearance at Spoleto Festival USA with a new production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. The comedic classic begins performances at the Dock Street Theater May 26 and continues through June 12. Patrick Mason directs a cast that includes Aoibhín Garrihy, Michael Ford-Fitzgerald, Alex Felton, Lorna Quinn, Deirdre Donnelly, Bosco Hogan, Des Keogh, Marion O'Dwyer and Mark Lambert.

The classic Gershwin opera Porgy and Bess, which will be presented May 27 and 30 and June 1, 3, 8 and 12 at the Charleston Gaillard Center, is described as such: "Written, set, and newly conceived in Charleston, this production brings DuBose Heyward’s inspiration for Catfish Row to life—beginning in the Charleston we know, and revealing the roots and character of the Gullah community." The cast is led by Alyson Cambridge, Lisa Daltirus, Eric Greene, Courtney Johnson, Lester Lynch and Sidney Outlaw. David Herskovits directs.

For complete season details, click here.