Star Beacon
November 19, 2008 06:08 pm
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CONNEAUT — Lights, cameras, action! Once again, it’s time for theater to take center stage at Conneaut High School. Although lacking in the camera department, this cast certainly has talent. And this production of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” promises to be a hit.
“Steel Magnolias” takes place in Chinquapin, La., a typical small southern town, where everybody knows everything about everyone. At the center of this play is Truvy’s beauty shop, a meeting place for six remarkable women. This is a play of witty banter peppered with philosophical idioms and touching moments of friendship. Most of all, this is a play of colorful characters.
Throughout the two acts, Truvy Jones (a lively middle-aged hairdresser) and her assistant Annelle (an awkward young woman turned born-again Christian) help fix the problems, hair related and otherwise, of their four dear friends. Comic relief appears in the form of Clairee Belcher and Ouiser Boudreaux, a sweet loving widow, and a bitter but lovable grouch respectively. The plot of the play revolves around M’Lynn Eatenton (a proper but compassionate woman) and her daughter Shelby (a spirited newlywed who is also a diabetic).
Aside from many humorous exchanges about the daily trials of southern life, “Steel Magnolias” is mainly about Shelby’s risky decision to have a baby despite her health, and that decision’s repercussions. The whirlwind of emotions takes the mood of the play from joyful, to fearful, to despairing and finally ending in hope. Since there is not a lot of action, characterization has been a very important part of rehearsals.
“I chose ‘Steel Magnolias’ because our female students were very strong this year and I wanted to give them a chance to have a positive dramatic experience while encouraging male students to participate in the spring,” said Emily Wacker, CHS teacher and drama director. “It’s been a very enjoyable experience working with a wide range of talent.”
The cast has been rehearsing after school for more than a month, learning lines and blocking while constantly trying to perfect their characters.
“It’s definitely a lot more work than I expected,” said first-time actress Leah Stamp, “but I am truly enjoying the experience.”
And even though the cast is all girls, male students are encouraged to be involved with other aspects of the production.
“I enjoy working with the director, and I love working with the cast,” said Dylan Murtha, the stage manager. “They make this play exciting.”
The cast consists of Carla Belnap as Truvy, Rachel Geiser as Annelle, Leah Stamp as Clairee, Chelsee Callahan as Shelby, Naomi Rivers as M’Lynn and Becky Oakes as Ouiser.
“Steel Magnolias” will be performed today, Friday and Saturday at the high school. Curtain time is 7 p.m. Tickets will be available in advance at school as well as at the door. This play guarantees a lot of laughs, as well as a few tears.
“I think we are going to have a very successful run,” adds Wacker. This timeless story will touch every heart.
As Miss Clairee would say, “Go to the theater.” Support the arts in our area.
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