Knoxville520.com

There are many factors in our lives that hold us back. They keep us from doing what we really want to do and cause us to settle for whatever is at hand. Once we are aware of these factors, where we go from there is not always predictable. Some choose to ignore them and point out others' faults instead, some adopt a new "problem" or social stance in hopes of having some control over the stigmas received. Eventually something gives and we have to deal with our real issues, but we never know when or who it will happen in front of. That's the residual feeling I'm left with after seeing AND MRS. REARDEN DRINKS A LITTLE.

Margy Ragsdale (Anna) portrays a woman who initially does not seem to want to acknowledge the fear she is so consumed with, but after witnessing other characters being forced to face their own situations, she finally comes to terms with her own. The story unfolds and offers insight into these dark little corners, and reminds us to pay attention to the people in our lives who are our enablers- they encourage us to remain in those boxes that we and others have placed ourselves into. They do not help or change us, and because they are there, we unconsciously accept our fates of wasted potential.

Fortunately, the entire show was not so philosophically gloomy. Arthur Stair (Bob) lessens a bit of the tension that had us squirming in our seats by being a much-needed comedic relief amidst the sharp-tongued quarreling sisters, Windie Wilson (Ceil) and Jill Bergeron (Catherine). The sisters harbour many stifled and uneasy sentiments toward eachother but attempt to forge mutual tolerance for one another after a series of events affecting their younger sister require some major decisions. Bob was perhaps the most honest character and played a key role in everyone else coming about their wits. In his own words, "When we pretend something never happens, that it never existed, it only gets worse in the mind".

Come see AND MRS. REARDEN DRINKS A LITTLE... Theatre Knoxville Downtown, located at 319 Gay Street across from Regas Restaurant. Remaining performances are this Thursday 8 February- Saturday 9 February at 8 pm and Sunday 11 February at 3 pm. Call 865-544-1999 for more info or to reserve tickets.