Steel Magnolias
by Robert Harling
April 18 - May 18, 2008
This spring, magnolias are blossoming at Stage 3 Theatre Company. “Steel Magnolias” that is.
Following up on its wildly successful run of “Woody Guthrie’s American Song”, the downtown Sonora theater opens with Robert Harling’s wisecracking and wise comedy set in a small-town beauty parlor on Friday, April 18.
“I have a strict philosophy…there is no such thing as natural beauty,” quips Truvy, owner of the salon where “everybody who is anybody” gathers. As it turns out, ‘everybody’ is a delightful collection of the town’s most colorfully eccentric characters.
From Annelle, (who isn’t quite sure if she is married or not) to curmudgeonly Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for 40 years.”), these funny ladies keep the comedy coming a mile a minute. When one of them risks a dangerous pregnancy the sudden realization of their own mortality affects the others but draws on their underlying strength and love which gives the play and its characters that special quality that make them truly touching.
The New York Times called “Steel Magnolias” “A joy”. The New York Daily News said “Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…the play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” Dramalogue called it “Skillfully crafted” and “lovingly evoked”.
Audiences will remember the blockbuster Hollywood film with an all-star cast including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine and Julia Roberts. Many do not know that it was originally written for the stage. Stage 3 will return ‘Magnolias’ to its roots using the original script, produced in 1987.
Artistic Director Don Bilotti suggests that reservations be made early as several performances have already sold out.
Guest director, Modesto’s Michael Lynch is a triple threat. Although sometimes seen on the boards, he is best known as a playwright and director. His “Crows Landing Gently, Gently” won Stage 3’s Festival of New Plays and was subsequently directed by him there. His recent adaptation and production of “Oedipus Rex” was called “one of the best productions in the region”. Lynch also directed Stage 3’s stunning production of “Wit”.
“This has been one of most joyous and creative productions I have been involved with for many years,” Lynch says. “My cast, all seasoned and of professional quality, have worked diligently and enthusiastically to make this collaboration the kind of theatre that makes true art.”
He continues, “The quality of the people involved from all disciplines, makes this one of the best theatres in the area and I am very proud to be part of it.”
Lynch has assembled his own ‘all-star’ cast to bring ‘Magnolias’ to life. Lillian McLeod has been very busy at Stage 3 lately, having appeared in three of its last four productions, most recently in ‘Woody Guthrie’s American Song”. She is also known by her alter ego ‘Diamond Lill’, one of the regions best known singers. Susan Michael has displayed her comedic and dramatic chops as the troubled mother in “My Heart and My Flesh’ and the wacky agoraphobic in the award-winning “The Poetry of Pizza” among others. Susannah Allatt has been lauded for her performances including “Flight of Fancy” and “Anton in Show Business”. Roxanne Bonjean, as Truvy, is making her first appearance in the area. Catherine Gordon, an actress who recently relocated to the foothills and took a few years off for motherhood, is back on the boards and appearing at Stage 3 for the first time. Also making her Stage 3 debut is Modesto’s Lindsay Pierce. Popular radio personality John Bell provides the voice of the radio DJ.
Set Designer Ron Cotnam has transformed the theater into a period beauty parlor. Costumes are designed by Diana Newington and lights by Matthew Leamy. Nathan J. Yeisley will stage manage.
This production is made possible in part by Associate Producer Kleen Slate Concepts.