By Willy Russell
Directed by Graham Clements
Produced by Charles Learn
The play follows the relationship between a 34-year-old Liverpudlian working class hairdresser and Frank, a middle-aged university lecturer, during the course of a year.
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 34 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over- the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves.
Show dates
September 16, 2022 @ 8:00 PM
September 17, 2022 @ 8:00 PM
September 23, 2022 @ 8:00 PM
September 24, 2022 @ 8:00 PM
September 30, 2022 @ 8:00 PM
October 1, 2022 @ 8:00 PM
Please note this play contains strong language
Please note: General admission seating only (100 seats maximum per performance).
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Cash payment and ticket pickup at the door.
Cast
Rita … Kelly Kimpton
Frank … Mark Ellis
Directors Notes
Casting the right people for roles in community theatre is 50% of a directors many challenges. He is very fortunate to have Kelly and Mark together in this wonderful Willy Russell play.
Along with their vast experience he is also blessed to be surrounded by such a talented crew who all come with a love and passion in their particular field.
We all hope you enjoy our efforts this evening, and if so, tell some friends.
Programme Additions
Many thanks go to Sara Cymbalisty as our ‘accent’ coach for Kelly. Sara is originally from Liverpool and has played ‘Rita’ twice in her acting career.
Acknowledgements
The Players Guild of Hamilton, Inc., for the loan of props and costumes.
Fay Bonanno, for the loan of the office desk.
Graham Clements, for the loan of the leather chair.
Bios
Graham Clements, Director – Graham has been involved in community theatre for forty plus years and has acted and directed with most of the groups in the Greater Hamilton Area.
He is particularly delighted to be back at Theatre Burlington where he has performed in numerous plays. This led to him being awarded ‘best actor’ at the Theatre Ontario Festival in 2001 and 2010 for his roles in ‘Me And My Friend’ as Bunny, and ‘Breaking The Code’ as Alan Turing.
Mark Ellis, Frank – Recent appearances include leading roles in Murdered to Death and The Canterville Ghost,(Theatre Bacchus), Alfred Doolittle in Pygmalion (Burl Oak Theatre), and The Laramie Project (West End Studio Theatre).
Other favorite credits include Two Pianos Four Hands, The Importance of Being Earnest, Glengarry Glen Ross, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, and Macbeth. Mark directed Crimes of The Heart and Dark Victory for The Oakville Players. He also writes and produces TV.
Kelly Kimpton, Rita – Kelly is thrilled and grateful beyond measure for the gift of Rita. Some of her previous credits include Melissa in Waiting Room, Maureen in The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Cora in Calendar Girls, and Clairee in Steel Magnolias. She is especially thankful to Graham for giving her this “fantastic” opportunity and for the hours they spent on his patio helping her learn all those lines.
A heartfelt thanks to Sara Cymbalisty for her master classes on the Scouse accent and for sharing her passion for the play.
To the amazing crew we would be lost without you and to Rita’s “dressing dynamo’s” you are forces of nature. Thank you for making sure Rita always had her knickers on! And a special thank you to her costar Mark whose skill, talent and professionalism “provided her with a brilliant education” that she will always treasure.
And last but not least, to John, Evan, Myles and all the dear friends who have been her cheerleaders through it all, there is no way she could have done this without you and she will be forever grateful.
Crew
Director … Graham Clements
Assistant … Deb Dagenais
Producer … Charles Learn
Stage manager … Dan Penrose
Assistant Stage Manager … Barb Brown
Script assistant … Barb Brown
Set Design … Michael Hannigan
Set Decor … Michael Hannigan, Cast and Crew
Master Carpenter … Michael Hannigan
Set Construction … Michael Hannigan
Lighting Designer … Chuck Learn
Lighting Operator … Matt Dafoe
Lighting Crew … Chuck Learn, Matt Dafoe
Costumes … Liz Boydell, Melissa Doer
Dresser … Jackie Robinson, Linda Daleo
Makeup … Cast and Crew
Properties … Jackie Robinson, Dan Penrose, Barb Brown
Sound Design … Ken Edwards
Sound Operator … Ken Edwards
Backstage Crew … Linda Daleo, Jackie Robinson
Front of House … Chuck Learn and Friends
Publicity … Fay Bonanno
Poster Design … Adam Collis
Programme Cover Design … Clair Bonanno
Programme … Fay Bonanno
Ticket Manager … Evelyn Principato