The play follows the relationship between a 26 year old hairdresser, Rita, and Frank, a middle-aged university lecturer, during the course of a year.
Directed by Steve Ross. Frank: Jody O'Neil Rita: Erica Morris
Set Design: Toby Wilson • Costume Design: Judy Chesley • Lighting Design: Greg Hamm
"Educating Rita" explores the way in which a woman, in her late twenties, has to deal with everyday life, conflict change and different phases as she becomes educated. It is a comical interpretation of Willy Russell's own life as a young Liverpudlian hairdresser and his aspirations to become educated.
Susan (who initially calls herself Rita), dissatisfied with the routine of her work and social life, seeks inner growth by signing up for and attending an Open University course in English Literature.
The play opens as 'Rita' meets her tutor, Frank, for the first time. Frank is a middle-aged, alcoholic career academic who has taken on the tutorship to pay for his drink. The two have an immediate and profound effect on one another; Frank is impressed by Susan's verve and earnestness and is forced to re-examine his attitudes and position in life; Susan finds Frank's tutelage opens doors to a bohemian lifestyle and a new self-confidence. However, Frank's bitterness and cynicism return as he notices Susan beginning to adopt the pretensions of the university culture he despises.
General Admission Tickets: $25. Tickets can be obtained by going to the website at www.eventidearts.org/buy-tickets-now or by calling the Box Office at (508) 398-8588 for reservations. Tickets also available at the door.
Phone: (508) 398-8588
Email: info@eventidearts.org
2017/05/04 - 2017/05/28
Gertrude Lawrence Stage inside historic Dennis Union Church
713 Main Street (Route 6A), Dennis, MA 02638
Parking is available behind the church or across the street in the Library or Carleton Hall parking lots