Cast named for ‘Steel Magnolias’
Sometimes it’s just serendipitous how things work out. Take Melanie Brown for instance. She made her first community theater appearance in the Hutchinson Theatre Company production of “Steel Magnolias” in 2003. Now fast forward 20 years, and she’s making her first appearance as a director. And yes, she’s directing “Steel Magnolias,” the Hutchinson Theatre Company’s fall production.
“I am so excited that ‘Steel Magnolias’ is my directing debut,” Brown said. “Twenty years I played Truvy, the beauty shop owner, and that was my acting debut for Hutch theater, so it has come full circle to be on the other side of the stage. Lucky for me the cast on this show includes many veteran performers that our audience have loved to watch over the years and very fitting for the show. As individuals, they are also very strong women, which makes this team of women incredible. It is a show that you won’t want to miss.”
Auditions took place in early September and according to Brown, there was a great turn out.
“Everyone that auditioned was really good and I wish I had a part for everyone,” she said. “Good news is that we have ‘It’s a wonderful Life’ that is happening in December, so I sure hope they all come back and try out for that show.”
If several of the names sound familiar, it’s because they are. Lena Mowlem, Mary Haugen and Rhoda Hubbard have all appeared in a variety of HTC productions. Haugen has also directed community theater in Hutchinson, as well as middle school and high school shows, HTC’s YoungStars program and at the Barn Theatre in Willmar. Rachel Trettin has appeared in Hutchinson Middle school and high school plays as well as at the Barn Theatre. Loraina (Tillman) Loft also has a solid background in Hutchinson High School stage productions and was cast for the HTC production of “Gypsy.”
Janean Sorrell is a new face on the Hutchinson community theater stage. She and her husband, Nick, moved to Hutchinson from California earlier this year.
“I’ve been in church plays before but nothing of this size,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be playing Truvy, her character really resonates with me. She always sees the bright side of things, which is something my Momma has instilled in me, to always look for the silver lining and stay positive.”
It’s not surprising Sorrell admitted to being a little nervous being this is her first production.
“… Everyone has been great to work with,” she said, “and I know it’s going to be an amazing show.”
While the stage play by Robert Harling came first, most folks are more familiar with the 1989 movie that starred Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton. The play is based on Harling’s experience with his sister’s death. It’s described as a comedy-drama about the bond of friendship between a group of Southern women. If you wonder about the title, it’s a way of describing the female characters — “delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel.”
