Tony Award nominee Maria Aitken, who first staged The 39 Steps at the Huntington prior to its Broadway bow, will direct the work that begins previews March 11 for a run through April 10. Educating Rita will officially open March 16.

Russell's popular two-hander was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1980 and was also adapted into a successful 1983 film.

Long (Broadway's Misanthrope) will portray worn-out professor Frank opposite Pfitsch (2006 Broadway revival of Company) as hairdresser Rita.

Here's how the Huntington bills the play: "In Educating Rita, Rita, a brash, young hairdresser with a free spirit, is hungry to improve her lot in life. When she enrolls at the local university, she discovers a passion for literature and turns her boozy and burnt-out professor’s life upside down in this award-winning comedy."

Educating Rita will have scenic design by Allen Moyer, costume design by Nancy Brennan, lighting design by Joel E. Silver, composition and sound design by John Gromada and projection design by Seághan McKay III.

Russell is also the author of the musical Blood Brothers, the Olivier Award-winning comedy Shirley Valentine, as well as Keep Your Eyes Down, John Paul George Ringo and Bert, One For The Road and Stags and Hens.

Tickets are available by calling (617) 266-0800 or by visiting Huntington Theatre. The Huntington Theatre Company performs on the Boston University main stage, located at 264 Huntington Avenue in Boston, MA.