Knoxville Theatre Presents: ‘Packing Up Polly’
‘Packing Up Polly’ is a production centered around female friendships and emotional healing. This heartfelt narrative, put up by Tennessee-based Theatre Knoxville Downtown and directed by Jill Stapleton Bergeron, encapsulates the journey of a woman named Caroline Porter Cook who grapples with the memories of her late mother while packing up her belongings.
‘Packing Up Polly’: A Heartfelt Narrative
Caroline, who is originally from Savannah, Georgia, comes back to her roots after her mother, a fictional gospel singer named Polly Porter, passes away. Caroline’s tedious task of packing up her mother’s belongings is augmented by the assistance from her high school friends.
Meet the Characters
The team of friends that help Caroline consists of distinctive characters. There’s Lizzy Jennings, an overachiever who owns Miss Georgia Belle Pageantry competitions and is always ready to help. Then, there’s Rebecca Bailey – whose portrayal by Michelle Badgley adds a lighter touch to the narrative due to her character’s pregnancy. Finally, there’s Donna Jo Martin, a theatre enthusiast acted out by Julia Dietz. This quartet perfectly captures the essence of female friendships and the dynamics that it encompasses.
Theatre Set and Story Progression
Carrying out the plot within the confines of Miss Polly’s house, the narrative moves towards more profound scenarios like confrontations, reconciliations, and dream renewals. The rediscovery of their old cheerleading gear symbolizes the rekindling of their erstwhile camaraderie. The heartfelt conversations and interactions with Miss Polly’s belongings make way for sporadic bursts of laughter and moments of raw emotions from the audience.
A Special Nod to Female Relationships
‘Packing Up Polly’ is an earnest tribute to the bonding between mothers and daughters and the undeniable significance of friendship. The depiction of such relationships and their impact on us as individuals forms the core theme of the play. The show is set to continue at Theatre Knoxville’s Playhouse.
