RIDGEFIELD - Educating Rita, an updated version of Pygmalion, is Ridgefield Theater Barn's current production.(Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8, and Sundays, March 6 and 13, at 2, through March 19.Tickets are $24 adults, and $20 students, seniors and veterans. They can be purchased by visiting ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org or calling 203-431-9850. The theater barn is at 31 Halpin Lane in Ridgefield.)

Subtly directed by the very talented Brian DeToma, this quiet piece is charming and offers both of its performers a chance to put on full display that thing they love to do: act.

The play is set solely in the office of a university English professor named Frank (played by Nick Kaye), a lonely, frequently inebriated intellectual who takes on a student to tutor. In sashays the young, modishly dressed Rita (Lynnette Victoria), with an energy and presence that lights up the room.

Rita's curiosity, enthusiasm and motivation at first perplex and then appeal enormously to Frank. He is inspired by Rita's drive to change her life and encourages her to work harder and express herself more fully. She needs little encouragement.

While Rita's trajectory is trending upwards, Franks is clearly in a downward spiral. Yet the two develop a truly caring relationship that survives on the respect each has for the other's gifts.

This is sweet and elegant theater.

Playing Frank with an initially stodgy and yet depressed demeanor, Nick Kaye allows this character to simultaneously warm up to Rita while falling further into despair. This is a tricky acting accomplishment, which Mr Kaye achieves.

Lynnette Victoria is a force to behold as Rita. Throughout this entire piece Ms Victoria runs her portrayal of Rita through a gamut of emotions, expressing them as authentically and honestly as if she was a living version of this character. This actor is not only very talented; she has honed her craft to a level of excellence.

Tim Hubenthal has yet again designed and built a set which belies the small stage on which it sits and perfectly reflects the life which inhabits it.

A mention must go to the costume designer. While the costumes for Frank were appropriately basic, Rita's multitude of costumes pair precisely with the changes in her life. They were also designed with the rapid fire changes required in mind, and always appear in place and purposeful.

The opening night audience was enthralled with Frank and his efforts to educate Rita. It was a lovely evening at the theater.

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