Theatre of Gadsden to stage audience favorite 'Steel Magnolias'
Theatregoers in Gadsden have a hair appointment — at a notoriously rollicking salon.
"Steel Magnolias," directed by Mike Beecham, tells the story of a group of women united by their humor and perseverance in northwest Louisiana. Theatre of Gadsden will perform the play Friday and Saturday and Feb.16-18.
The play by Robert Harling, adapted into a hit film in 1989, features six women who trade barbs and praise through good times and bad.
For Beecham, it’s the third time he’s tackled the play as a director – once before in Gadsden, once in Atlanta. He said just reading the play can be an emotional experience for the actors.
“It gets to a lot of folks,” he said. “These ladies have to find a way to control all that. If you lose control while on stage, you’ve lost control of your performance. We have to get those emotions out of the way beforehand.”
"Steel Magnolias" is a staple of modern theatre, known for how it can affect an audience. But in at least one case, a cast member had a particular reaction.
Joy Tilley Perryman, who plays Clairee, had previously – and unsuccessfully – auditioned eight times in Nashville and Gadsden, for a role in productions of "Steel Magnolias" before finally securing a part with TOG.
“I’m the Susan Lucci of 'Steel Magnolias,' " she said, referencing the former star of “All My Children” who was nominated 19 times for a Daytime Emmy before finally winning the prize.
Over the years, she’s also costumed the show, but this is her first time on stage in the cast, playing Truvy. Even though she was well-acquainted with the story, the script is “everything I thought it would be and more,” she said.
“I’ve lived with this script and loved it since 1985,” she said.
Courtney Linam, a TOG regular in several musicals such as "Godspell" and "Always ... Patsy Cline," plays Truvy. It’s her first time tackling a role that doesn’t involve a song. This becomes apparent when she begins talking about learning her lines, and instead says “lyrics.” She said not sure if it’s harder, with or without music.
“It’s fun, a challenge,” she said. “It’s just different.”
The role of the social leader M’Lynn Eatenton is played by Robin Black. She said the play can appeal to anyone who grew up in a small town.
“I think we all know and probably have lived this scenario,” she said. “Our grandmothers, mothers, even us, going to the beauty shop every week. This scenario happens in so many places, it’s so relatable to everybody. My mama’s been kicked out of several beauty shops and had to move to others.”
"Steel Magnolias" will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 9, 10, 16 and 17, and at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 and 18 at the Ritz Theatre, 310 Wall St. Ticket information can be found at www.theatreofgadsden.org.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 'Steel Magnolias' promises emotional experience for Gadsden audience
