Mouse River Players Community Theatre opens its 53rd season with “Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling. “Steel Magnolias” is a breath of sweet friendship between a group of women tied together by life. Magnolias represents the fragile flower of Southern women; steel refers to their strength to carry on when life hits rough spots. The story is humorous with underlying serious situations.
Show dates are Sept. 13-15; Sept. 20-22; Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinees start at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are $15.00 adults; $13.00 seniors/ military/ students with the suggested audience for this production being ages 12 and up. Tickets are available at wwwmouseriverplayers.com
The play was first on Broadway in 1987 and then adapted to a movie in 1989. Author Robert Harling modeled the six witty and intelligent women characters after real people in his life. The story is set in a fictional Louisiana town named Chinquapin. In Truvy’s Beauty Shop we meet Shelby, the main character, who is soon-to-be married, but struggling with Type I diabetes.
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (Kylee Cook). Kylee says her favorite lines are, “Next time you talk to Drew and Belle. I know they’re upset by Marshall and all. Best tell them that I said that if that’s the most disturbing thing that’s ever happened to them …they should just get over it.” Shelby believes that life is too precious and too short to be harboring anger and holding grudges. Kylee notes that this is reminder to herself to be “slow to anger and be grateful for my life.”
M’Lynn Eatenton (Sarah Honerman). M’Lynn favorite lines are, “I realized as a woman how lucky I was. I was there when this wonderful person drifted into my world.” Sarah sees that line as a reflection of her own life and says, “ It is a favorite because it deeply resonates with me as a mother. It’s probably one of the most beautiful things I have done with my life so far.” Sarah is drawn to community theater for the excitement of meeting new people and getting to work with them.
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (Brittany Montez). Brittany laughs and quickly notes her favorite line, “He said he’d rather eat dirt.” Brittany explains, “The line makes me laugh every time. My character Annelle is finding balance in her life and her friends/boyfriend tend to kid with her as she learns who she is. They keep her grounded…sort of.”
Clairee Belcher (Kelly Thom). Kelly says one of her favorite lines is, “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize!” Kelly adds her own outlook with, “When you look good, you feel good.”
Ouiser Boudreaux (Cheryl Nilsen). Cheryl smiles and shares her favorite line, “I’m not crazy. I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 40 years.” Cheryl likes the line as Ouiser expresses her opinions and likes to exaggerate and be self-indulgent. Cheryl find the most challenging part of her role is keeping it fresh. “It is an active process. But I so enjoy the opportunity to be on stage and to be part of the support cast.”
Truvy Jones (Amanda Lindstrom). Amanda’s favorite line is “Let me grab my wand and my fairy dust.”
Katy Allers (director). The show has a special place in Katy’s heart. “The show brings back memories of going to the movie with my mom, four sisters, and grandma. We went to the bathroom after the show; the room was full of ladies washing off their running mascara. In 2005 I played Truvy in the show. The show is an exploration of the strength and reliance of women during challenges of their lives. Each character has a unique strength that provides emotional support for the other ladies. It is truly a celebration of the enduring spirit of women and their ability to uplift one another.
Connor Donovan (Stage manager/props coordinator). As the stage manager Connor has attended many rehearsals and even has a favorite few lines that he’s heard many times! “I’d like to ask a question. I’m new here and all. Is my life in danger?” Overall Connor has observed the community that has formed during rehearsals and work calls. “I enjoy the vibe you get from the show the most. You’re watching a bunch of friends get together and enjoying each other’s company and over time, you get a feeling like they’re almost family.”
As a special celebration of the completion of the lobby remodeling, audiences are invited to a pre-show reception one-half hour before each performance of Steel Magnolias.