PAPA announces ‘Steel Magnolias’ cast

EATONTON, Ga. — The Plaza Alliance for the Performing Arts is happy to announce the selected cast of its coming production of “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling, who wrote the play based on a personal experience.

Six talented women are already beginning the work needed to perform this fun and poignant comedy/drama. “Steel Magnolias” was first written for and performed on stage in 1987. It was so well-received that a movie of the same name was released and shown all over the country in 1989-1990. That movie was a very big hit and it continues its popularity.

The cast consists of six females, ages 19 to the ‘60s, all connected by strong bonds of family and community. Each woman has her own personal story, and each keeps an intact sense of self. At the same time, the strong bond of friendships among them is one of the most important aspects of their lives, especially when times of challenge arrive. Audiences, whether male or female, will identify with the story they see enacted by this group of women. Beneath the sweet southern smile of these characters is strength and courage, the kind you need when tragedy hits.

This “Steel Magnolias” cast consists of three veteran PAPA actors: Diane Shinneman (M’Lynn), Sandy Young (Quiser), and Robin Cassidy (Truvy), all of whom participated in PAPA’s recent production of “Twelve Angry Jurors” by Reginald Rose. We are excited that three actors are new to PAPA’s stage: Valerie Padgett (Shelby), Suzanne Vest (Clairee), and Kathy Wardlaw (Annelle). The play directors are Dottie McClain and Dennis McClain. PAPA is a part of The Plaza Arts Center operation, and since 2008, all productions have been performed on The Plaza stage. Steel Magnolias will be PAPA’s 78th production since its founding in 1978. “Steel Magnolias” will be performed at The Plaza Arts Center on April 19-20, 26-27 at 7 p.m. and on April 21 at 2:30 p.m.