NewsFine ArtsTheater
Darlington Players to present ‘Steel Magnolias’
Oct 7, 2008 3:42 PM
By Tannika King - Faculty
The Darlington Players will present Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” October 23, 25 and 26 in the Zelle Fine Arts Center. This well-known play is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana.
“Steel Magnolias has universal themes of personal growth, sacrifice, sorrow, and the value of committed and supportive friendships,” said director Susan Powell, who has directed and/or appeared in more than 15 productions with Calhoun Little Theater. “As these students consider the kinds of people they will surround themselves with, and the relationships they will build in their lives, I think the play offers many points of reference. While the themes are often serious, the play itself is comedic. The characters are often broad and witty. They are at the same time unique and somehow familiar to our own experiences.”
The action centers around Truvy’s beauty parlor and the group of women who regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby’s wedding and covers events over the next three years, including her decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes.
Senior Meg Bowden plays the role of “Shelby,” a character she describes as strong, bubbly and charismatic, but stubborn at times. “To get into character, I try to imagine how Shelby would feel in any given situation, whether it is good or bad,” Bowden said. “My favorite part of ‘Steel Magnolias’ is the depth you see in the characters’ friendships as the show progresses. I hope audience members will take away a new perspective on friendship, hardships and how these two are closely intertwined.”
Senior Stephanie Schecter plays "Truvy," the upbeat hairdresser who plays an important role in the lives of her neighbors. "This production is going to be amazing," Schecter said. "Lots of emotions will come out, and I hope to see some tears in the audience. It is a very sad play, but still comedic at the same time, so it's fun, playful and very entertaining."
The cast also includes Emily Barron as “Annelle,” Rainey Cordell as “Clairee” and Anna Stephenson as “M’Lynn.” Co-director Cameron Abney will play the role of “Ouiser.”
“We’ve got a nice blend of experience levels and talents in the cast,” Powell said. “I have found it very refreshing that the girls are so supportive of each other and that they have taken a real interest in developing their characters. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding support I’ve also received from the show’s student technical director, Abby Vincent. Though not on stage, she has become an integral part of the production.”
Students, parents, alumni and members of the Rome community are invited to stop by Zelle Drama Room Oct. 23, 25 or 26 to see “Steel Magnolias.” Thursday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s show is at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
“Steel Magnolias has universal themes of personal growth, sacrifice, sorrow, and the value of committed and supportive friendships,” said director Susan Powell, who has directed and/or appeared in more than 15 productions with Calhoun Little Theater. “As these students consider the kinds of people they will surround themselves with, and the relationships they will build in their lives, I think the play offers many points of reference. While the themes are often serious, the play itself is comedic. The characters are often broad and witty. They are at the same time unique and somehow familiar to our own experiences.”
The action centers around Truvy’s beauty parlor and the group of women who regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby’s wedding and covers events over the next three years, including her decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes.
Senior Meg Bowden plays the role of “Shelby,” a character she describes as strong, bubbly and charismatic, but stubborn at times. “To get into character, I try to imagine how Shelby would feel in any given situation, whether it is good or bad,” Bowden said. “My favorite part of ‘Steel Magnolias’ is the depth you see in the characters’ friendships as the show progresses. I hope audience members will take away a new perspective on friendship, hardships and how these two are closely intertwined.”
Senior Stephanie Schecter plays "Truvy," the upbeat hairdresser who plays an important role in the lives of her neighbors. "This production is going to be amazing," Schecter said. "Lots of emotions will come out, and I hope to see some tears in the audience. It is a very sad play, but still comedic at the same time, so it's fun, playful and very entertaining."
The cast also includes Emily Barron as “Annelle,” Rainey Cordell as “Clairee” and Anna Stephenson as “M’Lynn.” Co-director Cameron Abney will play the role of “Ouiser.”
“We’ve got a nice blend of experience levels and talents in the cast,” Powell said. “I have found it very refreshing that the girls are so supportive of each other and that they have taken a real interest in developing their characters. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding support I’ve also received from the show’s student technical director, Abby Vincent. Though not on stage, she has become an integral part of the production.”
Students, parents, alumni and members of the Rome community are invited to stop by Zelle Drama Room Oct. 23, 25 or 26 to see “Steel Magnolias.” Thursday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s show is at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
