Steel Magnolias: The Beautiful Classic to Open at the Rosewater Theatre
May 21, 2008 · Print This Article
The Rosewater Theatre proudly presents the beautiful comedic drama “Steel Magnolias”, which premiers June 6 at their new Roswell location.
“Steel Magnolias” is the wonderful classic story written by Robert Harling who is an American writer and film director. Harling was an aspiring actor when the tragic death of his diabetic sister inspired him to write the play “Steel Magnolias”. As his best friend and closest sibling, Robert found it incredibly difficult to cope with his loss. He was advised by many of his friends to write about his feelings as a coping method. It began as a short story and evolved into a full length play due to the complexity of the relationships and emotions that existed within the characters. Harling felt it important to include the way the characters utilized humor and light hearted conversations to assist them in coping with the seriousness of the underlying situations. He went on to adapt the screenplay for the film version of the play which was produced in 1989 starring Sally Field and Julia Roberts. He played a small role in the film as a minister.
Following the premier, performances are slated for every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., through June 28. “Steel Magnolias is such a wonderful and poignant story that we have wanted to produce for so long and now we have the opportunity”, said Sherouse Riley, Managing Director and co-owner of The Rosewater Theatre. “It is an extremely popular play that patrons just seem to love and the fact that it is based on a true story makes it all the more poignant.”
The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
The production stars a superb ensemble of Metro Atlanta based professional and seasoned actors including Giselle Frame, Erin Greenway, Linda Thompson, Kim Burdges, Julie Rhinehart and Donna Alred. “What an absolute pleasure it has been working with these six extremely talented and professional quality actors,” states Lisa Sherouse Riley, who is also the Director of Steel Magnolias.
Tickets for “Steel Magnolias” are $16 and $18. All seats are general admission. Group rates are also available. Tickets can be purchased at The Rosewater Theatre, or online at www.rosewatertheatre.com or by calling ahead to The Rosewater Theatre Box Office at 770-640-5500. The Rosewater Theatre, located at 633 Holcomb Bridge Road is easily accessible from Georgia 400. Parking is free. For more information go to www.rosewatertheatre.com.
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