‘Steel Magnolias’ comes to Shrewsbury in March

SHREWSBURY – A soul-filled story of Southern friendship will soon take the stage in Shrewsbury.

After a successful production of “Spamalot” in August, Square One Players will present “Steel Magnolias” in Southgate’s Flanagan Theater, 30 Julio Drive. The group encourages everyone to attend the show, which will run on March 16, 17, 23 and 24.

Set in Louisiana, “Steel Magnolias” tells the story of a group of close-knit women living in a small town. Whereas “Spamalot” involved over-the-top, chaotic action and dozens of props, “Steel Magnolias” features drama and character development.

Joanne Smith and Tara Alano – two of the three women who own and operate Square One Players – said the turnout for auditions was overwhelming, and “Steel Magnolias” has an extremely talented cast.

“It was tough, which was a nice problem to have. There were so many people who came, and so many people who were good. It’s really nice to see new faces,” Alano told the Community Advocate.

“It makes our hearts full knowing people want to work with us,” added Smith.

For Alano, who grew up watching “Steel Magnolias” with her father, the play is especially meaningful.

“I saw it last with my dad, who has since passed. I can vividly remember some of the phrases in this and some of the scenes where you’re crying and both of us – both male and female – laughing. It just gets into the human condition. Just how close we are to never knowing what’s going to happen – the bond we have with friends, sisters, siblings, or daughters, or fathers, in my case. Those moments are cherished. You just don’t know. It’s just one of those stories that had a big takeaway with me,” she said.

The 150-seat Flanagan Theater is an “intimate” venue, said Smith, noting that there’s “not a bad seat in the house.”

“When these people are on stage, you can almost get immersed. You become part of the story with them,” she said.

There are no major profits to be made from this show. It’s all done out of love for the arts. Many of the performers have 9-to-5 jobs and use the play as an opportunity to share their talent with the community.

“We do this just to keep doing it. There is no payroll. We do it to continue to entertain… We really enjoy this. It’s not just for them – it’s for us as well. This is our therapy. This is our ‘home away from home.’ We meet so many people. We make so many friends,” Alano said.