Month: March 2019

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I’m M’lynn. You called the role iconic and I suppose it is, but I can see how easy it is to take that idea and create this caricature of a southern lady with big hair and snappy one-liners… but what I love about this story is, at its heart, it’s true.  “M’lynn” was a mother who had a daughter and these close friends and it’s a story about how we love and how we hold each other up.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I saw the movie first when I was living in Europe at the time and I remember how heartsick it made me for home. Southern women and big hair and all.

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

Every woman can find themselves in one of these characters.  It’s the “Sex and the City” of the 80’s.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

Pretty much anything Ouiser says.

 

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Waiter, I’ve tried Blush wine, but what is bashful?  ha ha ha ha

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

It’s no different for me whether it’s all male and female. It’s all about giving and listening and really being present in your role that makes ensemble acting so fun… but for this show, several of these women are already my friends and the affection you all will see is so real. THAT has made this show really special for me.

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 21st – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I am playing Clairee Belcher. I love the humor Clairee brings to the show. Also, I played Annelle, M’Lynn, and Truvy in past productions so this was a natural progression. I just need to play Ouiser and my life will be complete!

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I saw the movie before I read the play.  I loved that the characters were so well written.  I can relate to all of the characters.  I grew up with every one of these ladies!

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

The importance of female friendships. I think as a younger woman, I didn’t realize how important it is to have a close group of female friends. I learned how important it was once I reached my 40s. Steel Magnolias represents the importance of those friendships.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

Annelle’s line “I promise my personal tragedy will not affect my ability to do good hair”. Tells you everything you need to know about Annelle!

 

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Are those team colors?

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

This cast has been a joy to work with. I have worked with Liz, Samille, and Teralyn in the past, so it has been fun to reconnect with them. The RAs, Sara and Mary Kate, fit right in. And who doesn’t love working with Jesse Siak?

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 21st – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. There is now a newly added performance at 7:30pm on March 24th with plenty of great seats! For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I am playing Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie and am so excited to bring this character to life. The most exciting part to me is that it is all based off a true story. Robert Harling wrote the play because he wanted his sister to not be forgotten. Shelby is such a strong woman and I feel honored to portray her.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I actually had not seen the movie until we started this show! (I know- I’m terrible). And then I put it off for a while because as an actor sometimes watching the “original” content can affect how you portray the character without even knowing it. So once we were in rehearsals for a while, and I felt like I had a good grip on what I personally thought about Shelby’s character and I decided to watch it! And I just sobbed. For two hours I cried my eyes out, and it was great!

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

I think the main thing to take away from Steel Magnolias is to live life to the fullest. That’s what Shelby did, and yes it cost her her life, but she wouldn’t have wanted her life to be any other way. One of the lines that impacts me the most is in the last scene when M’ylnn says “Shelby, as you know, would not want us to get all mired down and wallow in this. She would look on it as just one of life’s occurrences”. It is so simple but so wise. Shelby could have not gotten pregnant and maybe would have survived, but that wasn’t what she wanted in life. She wanted to be a mother- that’s what made her heart full. The beauty of life and love will always resonate with people and that is what makes this show great.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

My ABSOLUTE favorite line is Clairee’s when she says, “As somebody always said… if you don’t have anything nice to say about anybody… come sit by me.” It just perfectly sums up the type of shade these ladies throw! It is like that person that always speaks in backhanded compliments but they are so charming you can’t help but laugh. All these ladies in the show are strong, sassy, and unapologetically themselves.

 

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

OH don’t even get me started. Blush and Bashful are two very different shades of pink, one being much deeper than the other 😉

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

It is truly incredible. The ladies and I were kinda joking that we thought it was funny how even though the play was written by a man. He captures the essence and vibe of that close female relationship so well. It is just another reason why this show is so special and resonates with people of all ages. That kind of womanly love is proudly on display in every second of this show. From day one I felt bonded and connected to all the women in this cast, and being on stage with them is an honor!

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 15th – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I’m playing Annelle! It’s exciting to play a woman with so many layers, who perseveres through awful situations with so much joy and hope. Also, we are rarely given the opportunity to play characters who make as many bizarre and delightful choices as sweet Annelle.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I was late to the party and watched the movie for the first time last year. I was on a flight from LA to Philadelphia (in the middle seat!) and had no idea what I was getting myself in to. I was crying (and laughing!) so hard that the man next to me offered me a tissue. I couldn’t contain my reactions. I think I watched it twice more that week.

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

Women are resilient, powerful, gracious and loving- and we are stronger together. I think every woman has been there, in their version of Truvy’s Salon- there is magic in these rooms. I feel personally formed by the wonderful group of female friends and neighbors that rallied around my mother during trying times, and part of that magic was just sitting in the kitchen and observing while the women talked and gossiped and helped each other. It’s what we do, and it’s beautiful.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

“I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.”

This gorgeous line reminds me of why I wanted to be an actor in the first place. It’s pretty terrifying sometimes, but it’s also pretty wonderful. I’m going to enjoy every second I get to do it.

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Annelle would say, “The lord loves all shades of pink.”

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

It’s a rare and lovely opportunity. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like acting at all- we are playing and enjoying each other’s company and insights, on stage and off. This story is such a roller coaster. It’s impossible to not to form a bond with each other.

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 14th – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I am playing Ouiser. I have played MyLynn and Clairee in previous productions. Growing up in a small Southern town , I relate to all of these ladies.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

When I saw the movie I felt like I was back in my hometown.

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

I think the bonds of friendship and love these women have for each other and their resilience in the face of great loss touches so many people who have had similar experiences.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

“I love you more than my luggage.” – Clairee to Quiser

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

I grew up going to the beauty parlor (Rosa Lee’s) with my mom. There was always a pot of coffee, sweet tea and soup going in a back room. This feels the same and those same friendships are there. Laughter on and off stage. Poking fun at each other and sharing our daily lives in the dressing room. What memories we have!

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 8th – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I am playing the role of Truvy, and I am thrilled to dive into a role I’ve always wanted to play. I saw the movie Steel Magnolias when I was a kid and I remembered being mesmerized by the relationship between the women. I wanted friends like that. In college, I discovered it was a play. I about fell out after reading it. There were even more wonderful moments and connections! And Truvy leapt off the page. She is a true romantic who loves everyone (faults and all) and works to be the rock her friends can depend on. I mean, who doesn’t want to be that kind of person on stage and off stage?

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I watched the movie with my mom. We laughed and cried. It was one of those moments where I understood the power of stories in the human experience and knew I had to be a part of it. Oh goodness, does that mean Steel Magnolias is the reason I became an actor? I think so!

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

It shows us the power of our relationships in our every day moments as well as the worst days of our lives. It reminds us how the tiny, mundane, routines of our relationships are what make us strong and that it’s important to cultivate and nurture those relationships that are dearest to us. It reminds us that we actually do need each other. It reminds us to get out of our own lanes and share time with other people because humans need humans. And it resonates with us because we humans enjoy being reminded of our humanity and our need for relationships–we especially like this reminder through laughter.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

I can only pick one?!?!? From Ann Boleyn’s fingers to one-armed paper hangers, there are just too many. But today, in this moment, I will have to say, “Honey, there’s so much static electricity in this place that I attract everything but boys and money” It’s just one of those perfect one-liners that reminds me of my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Emilee. She can always turn a phrase.

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Oh honey, I never was good at figurin’ out complicated things like this, but you can and that makes me smile and love you more, you sweet thing.

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

The opportunity to play strong, iconic women with women I love and respect in our community is truly a dream come true. There is a magic that happens when women get the opportunity to collaborate and create. When you couple that magic with a wonderful script and a clear vision from the director, it becomes an artistically fulfilling experience. I am rediscovering the passion that drives me while sharing space and time with these women, and I am forever thankful for that.

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 6th – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.