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Fauquier Community Theatre opens 'Steel Magnolias' Feb. 29
It all starts out in a hair salon where the women who form the backbone of a small town’s social circle stop to get gorgeous and catch up on the latest news. This seemingly superficial place turns out to be the nucleus of a deep group friendship — a place where men are never seen, but their influence is felt through the words of the women.Fauquier Community Theatre's “Steel Magnolias,” is familiar to many from the 1989 flick starring an ensemble cast that included Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, and Olympia Dukakis. It opens tonight at the Theatre at Vint Hill.
Though the film had some fantastic quotes and strikingly emotional moments, the script was significantly different from Robert Harling’s original 1987 off-Broadway play.
Director Glynn Cosker, who was raised in England and has been involved in local theater since 1985, said one of the many things he likes about the play is the fact that it is set in the 1980s.
“I grew up in the 80s, and I just love the references in ‘Steel Magnolias,’” Cosker said. “I've also enjoyed exploring the complicated relationship between the mother and daughter we have in this show.”
The group’s social leader and the mother in this relationship, is M’Lynn, played by Deb Crawford.
“While they do fight at times, it is born of the deep love and respect they share. M'Lynn feels [her daughter] Shelby is special, and while she wants her to be strong, she also wants to protect Shelby from Shelby,” Crawford said of her character.
Shelby suffers from Type-1 diabetes, and one of the biggest mother-daughter conflicts in the play arises from Shelby’s decision to have a baby. Amanda Cansler, an acting, vocal and dance coach, takes on the role of strong-willed Shelby for this production.
“She’s not your typical girl-next-door character,” Cansler said.
Cansler made her first professional appearance onstage at the age of five, when she played Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel.” She is also an accomplished singer currently trying to iron out a recording deal.
Truvy, played by Katy Jordan, owns the beauty parlor where all the action takes place.
Miss Clairee, played by Patty McCoart, is the esteemed widow of the former mayor.
In real life, McCoart is a retired Prince William County elementary school teacher who has been involved in community theater for 20 years, and won Best Lead Actress in the 25th Annual Northern Virginia Theater Alliance (NVTA) one-act play festival. Even with a wealth of accomplishment behind her, McCoart admitted to feeling like a student right before finals, just wishing she had a few more days to study.
Annelle, played by McCall Doyle, is the young new hairstylist in town who makes several interesting transitions through the course of the play — from shy newcomer to party girl to fundamentalist, and finally to a true Steel Magnolia able to hold her own with this feisty bunch.
Originally from New Jersey, Doyle attended college in New Orleans and says she feels a special connection to this play, which is set in Louisiana. This is also her second production of “Steel Magnolias.”
“It is my dream to play all six roles,” Doyle said.
Last but not least is outspoken Ouiser, played by Aileen Drennan, the woman who has some of the best zingers in the play.
“I’ve wanted to play Ouizer for 20 years,” Drennan said. “It’s easier to be mean than to just be a regular person.” Mean as she may seem, Ouizer is just as much a part of this close-knit circle as any of the characters.
The actresses said the small group has formed its own social nucleus in real life, probably due to the small cast and the emotional intensity of some of the scenes — especially the final scene, which runs the gamut from tears to laughter.
And, as Truvy says, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”
“Steel Magnolias” runs from Feb. 29 through March 16 on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Call (540) 349-8760 or visit www.fctstage.org for tickets and information.
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