ProArts to Open Season with AND MISS REARDON DRINKS A LITTLE, 5/18

ProArts will present "And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little" as the final show of their Spring season. This "tragic comedy" was written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Zindel in the late 1960s and first produced in 1967 in Los Angeles. The show moved to Broadway in 1971, starring Estelle Parsons (Roseanne), Nancy Marchand (The Sopranos) and Julie Harris (Knot's Landing). Although written over forty years ago, the story, now set in 1995 on Staten Island in New York, is still as timely now as it was then.

"Miss Reardon…" tells the story of the three Reardon sisters who have grown up in a house dominated by their mother, who is recently deceased. All of them are employed in the public school system. And all of them have secrets to share. Simmering resentments of many years burst alive and are exacerbated by the intrusion of a well-meaning but boorish neighbor couple, whose unexpected arrival impels the action towards its shattering conclusion in which all the pathos, humor and searing honesty of the play combine with overwhelming effect .

"Miss Reardon…" features the best of Maui talent including Kristi Scott, Sarah Loney, and Martha Siefken as the three troubled Reardon sisters; Lisa Teichner and Andy Howansky as the disruptive neighbor couple; Jett Batoon as the meddling cosmetic superintendent; and Nathan Galusky as the obnoxious Delivery Boy.

The show is directed by ProArts veteran Mark Collmer ("Sylvia"). The 1990's costumes are designed by Marsha Kelly; with scenery created by Caro Walker and lighting provided by Bonnie Prucha. ProArts productions are produced by Jonathan Lehman.

Opening night is May 18 and the show runs until June 3. It plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm (no show on 5/20). ProArts offers reserved seats for adults at $20.00 and for students 18 & under at $15.00. Kama'?ina nights, with discounts for Hawaii residents, are scheduled for Saturday, May 19, and Thursdays, May 24 and 31.

The intimate ProArts Playhouse is located at the Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei. The Playhouse is air conditioned with 80 reserved seats. There is free parking, plenty of nearby restaurants, and an art gallery inside currently featuring the works of Marjorie Tyler and Ed Lane.

"Miss Reardon…" is suitable for adult audiences.

Call 463-6550 for tickets or more information.

More Articles by This Author...