Educating Rita
by Willy Russell
directed by Ben Mattox
Feb. 16, 17, 18 & 23, 24, 25
This comedy by British playwright Willy Russell is a witty yet poignant look at a working class woman’s attempts to change her social circumstances through pursuit of an Open University qualification. Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves.