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.