Theatre Review

Dark comedy lights 2nd Story stage

Don Fowler
Posted 5/7/15

There were these three sisters. No, not Chekhov’s “Three Sisters.” These are the Reardon sisters, and one of them, Catherine, drinks a little.

2nd Story Theatre, under the watchful eye of …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
Theatre Review

Dark comedy lights 2nd Story stage

Posted

There were these three sisters. No, not Chekhov’s “Three Sisters.” These are the Reardon sisters, and one of them, Catherine, drinks a little.

2nd Story Theatre, under the watchful eye of director Mark Peckham, brings us Paul Zindel’s very dark comedy, “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little.”

And it’s no wonder she drinks. After their mother’s death, she got stuck with her crazy sister, Anna, while her older sister ran off with her boyfriend, took most of their mother’s possessions, and left her to care for Anna.

All three are involved in the education profession. Catherine is an assistant principal; Anna a chemistry teacher, on leave after rumors of a relationship with a student and a few bizarre incidents in the classroom; and Ceil, the superintendent of schools.

Ceil comes to visit her two sisters in the hopes of getting Anna committed to a mental institution, resulting in conflict that is brought to the boiling point by a visit from the school guidance counselor and her obnoxious, opinionated, out-of-control husband. Things get pretty hot and heavy as verbal daggers are haphazardly tossed around, causing Catherine to drink a little more and Anna to resort to some pretty scary actions.

If you are looking for a light comedy, this isn’t it. Much of the humor is biting, caustic and downright mean. If you get there a few minutes early and read Eileen Warburton’s essay, you will learn a bit about playwright Zindel and his depressing upbringing that finds its way into the play.

Peckham believes that the play’s title is one that raises potential theatregoers’ curiosity. (Advance sales for the production have been very high).

While I thought the play at times got a bit too mean-spirited, the acting and directing, and as always Trevor Elliott’s super set, make it a must-see production.

You won’t find any better triple-threat performances than Lara Hakeem as the Manhattan-drinking Catherine, Tanya Anderson’s cold, calculating Ceil, or Erin Olson’s uncontrollable, unpredictable Anna. The entire cast keeps the 70-minute, one-act play roaring ahead, leaving you much to think about in this world of dysfunctional families.

“And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little” is in the intimate downstairs theatre at 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St. in Warren, through May 17. Tickets are $30, $21 if you are 21 or younger. Call 247-4200, or go online at boxoffice@2ndstorytheatre.com.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here