Educating Rita at Cite’ Des Arts was a delight to the ear, the mind and the eye. Written by Willy Russell, it is a two-person show that tells the story of a college teacher, Frank Bryan (Vincent Barras) and Rita (Erin Segura) an outspoken hairdresser attempting to improve herself by education. The comedy arises from Rita’s fresh, unschooled reaction to the classics of English literature. Much of the fun for the audience is to be able to keep up with the very literate script. Watching the show, one can hardly avoid thinking of Pygmalion (or at least My Fair Lady). But throughout this show, the thought that is never far from the viewer’s mind is who is educating who? Or is it whom? Whichever, don’t miss the show. It plays Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through March 21. Attendance is mandatory!
As Rita, Erin Segura stole the show. With a constant series of costume changes, intellectual developments, and personal insights she morphs from a naïve, simple housewife/hairdresser to a truly educated person with a profound understanding of her teacher, her world, and the literature he himself has written. Erin maintained a near-perfect working-cast British accent throughout the play, and she was exciting to watch. Eyes, body, and language all contributed to her character.
As Professor Frank Bryan, Vincent Barras was every bit the staid, alcoholic, and somewhat snobbish tutor for Rita. Barras well portrayed the vacuum which had become Frank’s life. As time passed, he became filled with Rita. Frumpish at the beginning, towards the end he is nattily dressed--yes, even professors can learn.
The set as designed by Erica Thibodeaux and Walter Brown provided a perfect stage for the two characters in this story. Light entering the playing area through a window onto the college lawn was particularly eye-catching. Congratulations to Maureen Brennan and Cite’ des Arts for continuing to bring interesting, provocative, and entertaining arts to Acadiana.
---Donald "Doc" Voorhies
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