Steel Magnolias for Stirling WA.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling will be the first production for of 2012 for Stirling Players in Perth, WA, following the postponement of their scheduled production of  La Cage Aux Folles, due to unforeseen circumstances.

The action Steel Magnolias centres on Truvy's beauty parlour and the women who regularly gather there.  The story begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby's decision to have a child, despite having  type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. There is also a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser; Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl and then to a revival-tent Christian; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family.  Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

There 1989 film of Steel Magnolias starred Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, Darryl Hannah and Julia Roberts.  The story is based on the death of playwright Robert Harling’s sister, Susan Harling Robinson, a diabetic.  As her best friend and oldest sibling, Harling found it difficult to cope with her death and wrote what began as a short story, but evolved into a full length play.

The cast, pictured, are from left to right (character names in brackets):  Tracey Woolrych (Ouiser), Hillary Readings (Clairee), Mahalia Bowles (Annelle), Sue McLennan (M'lynn), Nicole George (Truvy) and seated Kimberly Harris (Shelby). Ryan Taaffe is Director.

Steel Magnolias plays on  March 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15,16 and 17 at 8 pm, & March 4 and 11 at 2 pm at Stirling Theatre, Morris Place Innaloo. Bookings: 94401040.

More reading - Community Theatre Seasons 2012.

Other Community Theatre Shows.

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