Sophistication and sass clash in Educating Rita

Directed by Marcia Kash, the Segal production stars Carly Street and Ric Reid.

“The special chemistry and briskly-paced comedic repartee between these two extraordinary actors will have you smiling all through the play,” said Bryna Wasserman, Artistic and Executive Director of the Segal Centre.

Ric Reid plays Frank Bryant, a failed writer and disillusioned literature professor who views his students as appallingly boring and lacking in originality. The cynical middle-age academic would rather spend time drinking scotch at the local pub than teach at the lectern.

Enter Rita, played by Carly Street - a brash, twenty-six year old hairdresser from Liverpool who is determined to get an education and shed her working-class image. Her real name is Susan, but she wants to appear more sophisticated so she calls herself Rita after feminist writer Rita Mae Brown. Rita thinks Brown is a brilliant writer but Frank has never heard of her.

At first, Frank grudgingly accepts to tutor this uneducated and feisty Liverpudlian, but in time her passion for learning intrigues and enchants him.

Set and costumes are by John C. Dinning and lighting is by Spike Lyne. Merissa Tordjman is the stage manager.

Educating Rita is partially autobiographical. British playwright Willy Russell grew up in a working class family in Liverpool and became a hairdresser. He eventually returned to college and started writing drama, which opened up a world of new possibilities and brought him international success.

Run:

November 22 to December 13

Previews:

November 22 - 1:30 pm

November 23-25 - 8:00 pm

Media Opening Night:

Thursday, November 26 – 8:00 pm

Performances:

Monday - Thursday, 8:00 pm

Saturday 8:30 pm

Sunday 7:00 pm

Matinées:

Wednesdays 1:00 pm

Sundays 2:00 pm

Box Office:

(514) 739-7944

Admission

(514) 790-1245

www.admission.com



Segal Centre for Performing Arts

5170 Côte Ste. Catherine Rd.