Educating Rita opens Saturday

Hilary Fennell-Hunter and John McCarthy star in Educating Rita, presented by the Prince Edward Community Theatre at Mt. Tabor, beginning Feb. 4.

Prince Edward Community Theatre will take Educating Rita to the Mt Tabor stage, then to the Eastern Ontario Drama League Festival in the spring.
The play tells the tale of a young, working class hairdresser pursuing higher education and her relationship with Dr. Frank Bryant, a middle-aged alcoholic university lecturer, over the course of a year.
Susan (who initially calls herself Rita) is played by Hilary Fennell-Hunter. John McCarthy is cast as Frank.
The play covers the concepts of freedom, change, England’s class system, self-development and the shortcomings of education and relationships. The comedy was adapted by Willy Russell for a 1983 film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

The production runs Feb. 4 and 11 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Tabor, Milford. Advance tickets are $14 at the Rose Haven Farm Store, SideStreet Gallery and by calling 476-5925. Tickets at the door are $15.

Director Lynn Fennell and co-producer Jen Goodman join the duo behind the scenes along with Georgia Papanicolaou, set designer, Collen Johnson, wardrobe; Crystal Mayer as properties director and Pat Larkin on sound and lights.

The stars will break new ground entering the Eastern Ontario Drama League Festival, to be held this year at the Ottawa Little Theatre. They will compete with performers from Ottawa, Kingston, Quinte West and Peterborough.
A sneak peek from rehearsal:

COMING UP:

Go ahead, act out!
Prince Edward Community Theatre is holding open auditions for its May production “Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig.
No preparation necessary. Actors are invited to drop in and read for parts Sunday, Feb. 19, 1pm at the Athol Town Hall, Cherry Valley. Cast of Characters: Jack- a young actor, able to dance (25-40s); Leo- a young actor, able to dance (25-40s); Meg- a young lady in her early 30s; Duncan- local Minister, mature age; Audrey- a young lady in her 20s; Doc- local Country Doctor, mature age;
Butch- Doc’s son, young man in his 20s to 30s; Florence- extremely old, poor vision and very crusty.
The show is directed by Lynn Fennell.  Show dates: May 4,5,11,12, 2012 at Mt. Tabor Playhouse.  For more information on the show or the audition process, call Lynn at 613-476-5925 or Jen Goodman at 613-393-5755.

Visit www.pecommtheatre.com