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.