Though it is illegal for pranksters to shout about non-existent fires in a theater, shrieking after an encounter with an underseat gum wad is permissible. Shout about what's on stage instead with today's deal: for $11, you get one premier-seating ticket (a $22 value, including fees) to Bag and Baggage's production of Educating Rita at the Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro. Purchase a Groupon for one of the following two dates:

• Thursday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, June 20, at 2 p.m.

The final production of B&B's 2009/2010 season, Educating Rita charts the relationship between Susan (played by Maggie Chapin), a young working-class hairdresser from Liverpool, and her middle-aged tutor Frank Bryant (Tracy Conklin), an alcoholic University professor seeking nothing more from their sessions together than a little extra drinking money. Susan's vivacity and earnest quest for inner growth forces Frank to re-evaluate his own bitter cynicism toward life. But as Susan slowly becomes enmeshed in the university's bohemian culture, dishonesty, superficiality, and disillusionment threaten to destroy their fragile connection. Guest director Patrick Spike keeps a keen focus on the exquisite comedic timing, touching subtle gestures, and genuine love of literature that won the play a Laurence Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year in 1980, plus the film Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA wins and nominations in 1984.

Since its founding in 2005, Bag and Baggage Productions has traveled Oregon performing creatively staged, accessible, and profoundly moving productions that take fresh looks at classic dramas and comedies. Past productions have included The Importance of Being Earnest, Death of a Salesman, and notable Shakespearian comedies such as Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, and Weekend at Bernie's. They've continued this mission from their new permanent headquarters at the intimate, 400-seat Venetian Theatre, whose bistro-style restaurant and bar have fashioned a special Educating Rita menu available by reservation only and consisting of Greek olives, marinated mushrooms, Caesar salad, lasagna Bolognese, and New York–style cheesecake alongside other food and drink options (not included in the Groupon). Food is served before the Thursday show, and before or after the Sunday matinee. Enjoy bold, vibrant theater and delicious food without throwing one at the other with today's Groupon to Bag and Baggage Productions at the Venetian Theatre.

Reviews

The Oregonian gives Bag and Baggage's Educating Rita an excellent review:

• With Chapin and Conklin playing the play's two characters, the often humorous interactions between what turns out to be not such an ill-matched duo after all, are not only entertaining but may prompt critical thought--the very essence of education. – Richard Wattenberg, The Oregonian

Facebookers applaud Bag and Baggage's past productions, saying:

• We were delighted and entertained from the beginning to the end! – Michele H.

Customer Reviews