‘Steel Magnolias’ returns to MLT stage
Meridian Little Theatre will present the beloved Southern story “Steel Magnolias,” the second production of its 91st season, beginning Thursday and running through Sunday, Dec. 3.
A fan favorite, “Steel Magnolias” tells the story of a group of gossipy Southern ladies — M’Lynn, Truvy, Clairee, Ouiser, Shelby and Annelle — who seek out Truvy’s beauty shop to tell each other everything that goes on in their lives. Time practically stops when they enter Truvy’s shop, and the friends sort out life’s woes and celebrate its triumphs together.
The play is alternately hilarious and touching. In the end, M’Lynn, one of the lead characters, is only as strong as she is because the women around her have been together at Truvy’s beauty shop every Saturday morning for decades.
Taking on the roles of the longtime friends are Jenni DiFatta as Truvy, Debbie Ford as M’Lynn, Melinda Rich as Clairee, Sidney Covington as Ouiser, Kristi Smith as Shelby and Carlysha Wiley as Annelle. Brittney Newell, Tori Moore, Ryn Miles and Nicolette File serve as understudies.
“It is no coincidence that this play has been as popular as it has for the last 35 years,” said director Tiffany McGehee. “It is incredibly relatable, hilarious, and heartbreaking. The relationships between these characters presented on stage reflect the significant bonds in our own lives, helping us keep them sacred, honoring their impact, and confirming why we drop everything to answer that friend’s call.”
McGehee said the women in the play gain benefits from their friendships and give each other strength just like in real life.
“For me today, behind every strong woman is another strong woman replying to her frantic texts in the middle of the night. I dedicate this production to all those strong women who stand behind me, supporting my growth, especially in this cast and crew. You have no idea how wonderful you are,” she said.
Covington, who will play the role of Ouiser, said it is special to work with an all-female cast and being part of the “Steel Magnolias” production again is a little sentimental for her.
“There are six individually wonderful personalities onstage interspersed with the playwright’s six colorful characterizations,” she said. “However, the difference between … Steel Magnolias in 2013 and this one is quite significant to me. In that 2013 production, each actor was a close and personal friend to me, having shared the stage with them in other productions.”
Covington said the 2013 performance of “Steel Magnolias” also was the last under the direction of longtime MLT director Jimmy Pigford, who passed away during rehearsals. A guest director was brought in to finish the production. Covington was cast to play the role of M’Lynn back then, and Bennie Jean Fortenberry was chosen for the role of Quiser.
“Here we are 13 years later, and I’m playing the part of Ouiser, and we’ve added another woman into the mix. This time, it’s artistic director Tiffany McGehee. She is a formidable force, bringing a whole other twist to directing. While Pigford was a master at his craft, (McGehee) has brought out a difference in each character that wasn’t there before. What a gift,” Covington said.
Katie Coleman, who played the role of Shelby in MLT’s 1990 and 2013 productions of “Steel Magnolias, served on the casting committee for this production.
“While it was bittersweet to not audition, I think the cast that we chose will delight the audience,” Coleman said. “Jimmy Pigford, who claimed ‘Steel Magnolias’ as a favorite, would be proud to see his theater still thriving with Tiffany McGehee at the helm.”
Tickets for “Steel Magnolias,” which is sponsored by Magnolia Steel Co. Inc., can be purchased by calling the box office at 601-482-6371. Performances are nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
