Steel Magnolias
In the 1980s, the South, a beauty salon—few stories grab the essence of a community like “Steel Magnolias.” A single set, designed by Linda Harmon, brings us into the lives of our characters as they love, grieve, live, and dream. The play is directed by Jill Dolan and mirrors, in many ways, the last two years of our collective lives. A perfect story to get us out from quarantine and reconnect with our neighbors and friends.
The play is set in the fictional northwestern Louisiana parish of Chinquapin, and opens at Truvy’s in-home beauty parlor where a group of women regularly gather. They discuss Shelby’s upcoming wedding. The plot covers events over the next three years relating to Shelby’s Type 1 diabetes, and how the women cope with their conflicts, while remaining friends. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother M’Lynn, and Shelby’s medical battles, the group’s underlying friendship is prominent throughout the drama
“Last summer,” said Dolan, “when Tracey Williams asked me to direct ‘Steel Magnolias,’ something in my isolation-fogged brain lit up. I knew it was the perfect play to remind us how important community is to all of us. As with the characters in Robert Harling’s biographically inspired play, we have lived through sadness and loss, but we still have hope. We have each other.”
Set aside an evening or afternoon one weekend between March 18-April 10, 2022, to sit in The Ojai Art Center Theater and watch this talented all-female cast lovingly bring this story to the stage. And enjoy the craftsmanship of an A+ production team.
Cast (in order of appearance):
Emily Vallance as Annelle. She last appeared in Ojai as Audrey in “As You Like It.”
L.J. Noel as Truvy. Many productions in Ventura County theaters. Last seen in Ojai as Edith in “Never too Late.”
Laura Ring as Clairee. Many productions at the Ojai Art Center Theater, including “Night Must Fall” and “Cabaret.”
KiSea Katikka as Shelby. She has pretty much grown up at the Ojai Art Center Theater.
Brook Masters as M’Lynn. With a BFA in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservancy has choreographed and appeared in many shows in the Ojai Valley. Last seen at the Art Center as Lizzie in “110 In the Shade.”
Sharon Reinhold as Ouiser. She recently returned to acting after raising her family.
The safety of our theater patrons is paramount. Proof of Covid vaccination with a valid ID must be present to gain entrance to the theater. Mask requirements are determined by County regulation at the time of performance.
“Steel Magnolias” opens March 18, 2022, and will run for four weekends — Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through OjaiACT.com or call 805-640-8797.