It’s always a beautiful experience being part of a production, especially if it’s a production of the icon of all Southern comedies “Steel Magnolias.” In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I would ever get an opportunity to play Shelby Latcherie.
With any role, it’s an emotional rollercoaster from scene to scene, but in Shelby’s case the twists and turns keep on coming.
“Steel Magnolias” has been a classic story for decades and made a household name after the 1989 movie starring Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, Julia Roberts, and so on. When one thinks of Southern, “Steel Magnolias” is one of the first thoughts that come to mind. The warm and well-developed characters keep this story thriving from generation to generation.
A tale of six women in a small town in Louisiana, “Steel Magnolias” follows the gatherings in local beautician Truvy’s salon through the ups and downs life throws at them over the years. Miss Clairee shares her wonderful recipes, Miss Ouiser fusses over her Magnolia tree, Truvy offers sassy and caring pieces of wisdom, Annelle finds her place in a new town, M’Lynn cares for her wonderful beauty shop gals, and Shelby spreads her love of life and romance... and the color pink.
One thing I found interesting is the fact that this play is based off playwright Robert Harling’s experiences. The women in this play were real women, and while the words might not match what was actually said, the storyline of events and emotions actually occurred.
I am very honored and proud to be a member of this amazing cast. In the middle of tech week, us “Maggies” are working hard to tie up our loose ends and present the best production of “Steel Magnolias” Barrow County has ever seen!
The set, designed by Pam Veader, looks as authentic as a 1980’s carport-turned-salon can look. The costuming is also authentic ‘80s fashion thanks to Billie Nye-Muller, who is director, costumer, and Miss Clairee. Talk about multitasking! Delores Russell has done an amazing job as assistant director and stage manager; she is always making sure we can find our props and helps us backstage with scene changes and costume changes.
While I’m not a critic or connoisseur of casting choices, I do think it’s safe to say that this cast has a wonderful chemistry and the energy flows effortlessly on and off the stage. During cast dinners and impromptu get-togethers, it’s almost as if this group of women are their characters. Billie said early on that she wanted this cast to bond and become closer friends. Looks like she did a great job at casting because that is exactly what has happened.
All the actresses, besides myself, have played parts in “Steel Magnolias” before. Kathy Blevins will be playing M’Lynn Eatonton, a role in which she is very familiar. This has been my first time working with Kathy on stage and it has been such a delight. She’s taken me under her wing and treats me like her own daughter even when we’re out of character.
Elinor Hasty as the loose cannon Miss Ouiser is also a perfect fit. Elinor, who recently retired from teaching Drama at Apalachee high school, is no stranger to the stage. She is a fierce and strong actor and has really made Ouiser a hysterical spectacle to watch. I always love watching her onstage; watching such an accomplished actress executing a role perfectly is truly art.
Leland Karas is so adorable as the sweet and naive Annelle. Leland comes on stage with those puppy dog eyes and a shy attitude and the audience immediately falls in love. Annelle is a girl who stays out of the spotlight in the end, but the other women bring her out of her shell. As a character, she changes in each scene and it’s enjoyable to watch Leland take this role exactly where she wants it to go.
Lynn Mulvey has taken the stage as Truvy before, but she’s eager to do it again. Lynn brings the sweet nurturing nature to the group, as well as her own brand of sass that Truvy is known for. She truly amazes me. A full time mom and a middle school teacher and she still has time for Truvy.
I stated before that Billie Nye-Muller is a multitasker, taking on the part of Miss Clairee after some casting changes. Not only is she in charge of bringing her character to life, she’s had to direct all of us stubborn women and put us in wigs and costumes as well. But it’s all a labor of love because she knows it’s all worth it in the end when the curtain goes up to a happy crowd’s applause.
And then there’s me, playing Shelby Eatonton Latcherie. After knowing Shelby was a real woman, I just hope that I can do her justice. In this whole experience I’ve learned a lot about life and the friends you make. Through illnesses, cast changes, family emergencies, and so on, we have shown that we are as strong as the women in “Steel Magnolias.” We have been there in the good and there in the bad, but we have stuck together and it has made all the difference.
The show dates are Sept. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees Sept. 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. at the Colleen O. Williams Theatre. This is a Barrow After Dark show, meaning that some content and language is not suitable for children. It is also a benefit show and all tickets (advanced and at the door) are $10. The proceeds will be split between two programs. Half will go towards sending children to the WBCT Drama Camp in the summer and the second half will go towards band scholarships in the John Hasty Memorial Band Scholarship at Russell Middle School.
From all of us “Maggies,” we hope to see you there!
Jessica Brown is the staff photographer for the Barrow Journal. You can reach her at jessica@barrowjournal.com.
