Kate Connor as Catherine, Nicole Cunningham as Ceil and Rachel Hoke as Anna rehearse a scene in Mill Race Theatre Company’s production of “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little.”
Submitted photos
Director Juli Johnson offers something of a public service announcement right at the top of a discussion of Mill Race Theatre Company’s production of Paul Zindel’s dark comedy “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little” opening Friday in the intimate Columbus North High School studio room.
A production with mature language and serious themes such as mental illness and alcoholism, the show is part of the local troupe’s renewed commitment to present a balance and variety of shows that challenge both casts and audiences.
The Mill Race ensemble is best known for its large, feel-good, summer musicals that have long been community staples.
“In my opinion, it’s important for us to present works that are challenging and address difficult topics because that is our world,” Johnson said. “And if we can address those topics in a setting that may provide some opportunity to laugh when if all you could otherwise do is cry, then perhaps we can make it real while potentially letting people in the public know that they are not alone facing that.”
Troupe leaders have emphasized for years that, while their work is certainly entertainment, it also aims to educate, enlighten and m0re.
The small, seven-character show spotlights the relationship among three sisters, all school faculty members, after the death of their mother in the early 1960s. The production concentrates on a scene in the siblings’ apartment. Each is dealing with fairly extensive drama, if not outright trauma.
“I understand that sometimes, people want just to be entertained,” Johnson said. “And that’s certainly OK. But if we can entertain as well as provide awareness of issues, then so much the better.”
Making the show even more significant for the troupe is the fact that auditions included five newcomers to the local company, which regularly seeks to find and encourage talent — and give them an outlet to hone skills. Two were chosen for the show.
“We realize that there are people out there who may prefer to do nonmusicals,” Johnson said. “And we realize that some people prefer to be in a smaller cast, where they have more of an opportunity to present their skills.”
She added that smaller shows also may appeal to some audience members, too.
“There are a lot of laughable moments here,” she said. “But there also is a lot for audience members to listen to and to consider.”
About the show
What: Mill Race Theatre Company’s presentation of the dark comedy “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Columbus North High School studio room.
Cast: Kate Connor (Catherine); Rachel Hoke (Anna); Nicole Cunningham (Ceil); Mikki Maurey (Mrs. Pentrano); Kaley Gatten (Fleur); James Kinsella (Bob); Thomas Cunningham (delivery boy). Julie Johnson is directing and co-producers are Sue Lindhorst and Lexi Schneider.
Information and tickets: Tickets.millracetheatre.org
