There might not be ruler spanking in Willy Russell’s Educating Rita, but the play’s student-teacher tensions measure up all the same. Queen City Theatre Company brings their version of the ’80s play, also produced into a film in 1983. When Rita (played by Christy K. Basa) returns to school for an education, she doesn’t just get a pile of books. Her homework becomes her professor, Dr. Frank Bryant (played by Joe Rux), as she delves into his boozed-up life. $20. Aug. 22, 23, 8 p.m.; Aug. 23, 2:30 p.m. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.queencitytheatre.com.
This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2008.
