“Steel Magnolias” cast (L-R): Jill Parker (M’Lynn), Emily Parsons (Truvy), Krissy Brown (Shelby), Nancy Mahoney (Clairee), Lindsey Tomlin (Annelle) and not pictured, Lorrie Sparrow-Knapp (Ouiser).
Clark State College’s Theatre Arts Program will present Robert Harling’s play, “Steel Magnolias,” on April 4-6 and 11-13 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, Turner Studio Theatre, 300 S. Fountain Ave. in Springfield. Set in a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, the play follows the lives of six women as they navigate love, loss, laughter and the strength of friendship.
The production, a collaboration between Clark State students and community members, features an ensemble of characters including Truvy, a wise-cracking salon owner; Annelle, her quirky assistant; Ouiser, a wealthy curmudgeon; Clairee, an eccentric millionaire; and M'Lynn and Shelby, a mother and daughter duo. The characters come together through their shared experiences in Truvy’s salon, creating a bond of support and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
“We are excited to bring ‘Steel Magnolias’ to life for our community,” said Theresa Lauricella, Clark State theatre professor and program coordinator. “This play beautifully captures the essence of friendship and how, even in times of heartache, the strength to move forward can come from the people around you.”
Directed by Jimmy Straley and Annie Nereng, the production will feature a cast with more than 150 years of collective theatrical experience including Krissy Brown, Nancy Mahoney, Jill Parker, Emily Parsons, Lorrie Sparrow-Knapp and Lindsey Tomlin.
Performances will be held April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees on April 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets, which are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, can be purchased online at pac.clarkstate.edu.
While “Steel Magnolias” is centered around female relationships, Lauricella believes the universal themes of the play will resonate with all audiences. “Everyone can relate to the themes of friendship and resilience,” she said. “This is a story about supporting each other, facing challenges and finding humor in even the toughest times.”