STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling Directed by Amanda Berg Wilson
“When I was a kid, a lady in the neighborhood had a large metal floral paperweight on her kitchen counter that served as a receptacle for change, keys…it weighed down the check for the milkman or the dry cleaner receipt…whatever. She called that thing on her counter ‘the steel magnolia.’ In her sweet drawl, she’d say, ‘Take a quarter from the steel magnolia and get us some ice cream.’ I found it interesting that the thing was neither steel nor a magnolia, but that’s what she called it. And the imagery stuck. Something beautiful made of very strong stuff.”
(top) Members of the original Broadway cast backstage (with audience member, Joan Rivers) in 1987, (center) the cast of the 1989 movie adaptation which starred a young Julia Roberts as Shelby, (bottom) the 2012 remake with an all Black cast that included Phylicia Rashad, Queen Latifah, and Alfre Woodard.
– Robert Harling Written nearly 35 years ago, Robert Harling’s funny and poignant play Steel Magnolias and its themes endure. Inspired by his sister’s death in 1985 of complications from diabetes, the play celebrates friendship, community, and how friends can help us grieve. Originally directed by current CRT board member Pamela Berlin in 1987, the show has since spawned two movie adaptations and countless theatrical productions. It also allows theatre companies like CRT to showcase some of its best female talent. CRT last produced Steel Magnolias in 1995 featuring Christy Brandt as Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn Eatenton. In 2022, she tackles the role of community leader, Clairee Belcher. Brandt says, “This is one of my all-time favorite plays. I think all the characters are so unique and funny and it will be an exciting challenge to inhabit a new one after 27 years!” The show also features CRT favorite Anne Faith Butler as Ouiser Boudreaux. When asked what she’s most looking forward to this summer, Brandt adds, “Of course working with Annie Butler is my greatest joy. I look forward to a summer of lots of laughs.”
Christy Brandt (center left) and the cast of CRT's 1995 production of Steel Magnolias.
STEVE & MARTI KIELY
14 your theatre, always
PEGGY LONGWOOD LAMB
