In the 30th anniversary year of the popular film, the Royal Players will perform “Steel Magnolias,” from June 6-16. This production is made possible by the sponsorship of Everett Buick GMC.
This play, set in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana, in the 1980s, has become a favorite of theater patrons. It is an all-female, all-adult cast of strong, southern women. The play by Robert Harling is based on the true story of his sister. It’s been called the funniest play that ever made you cry.
From Left to Right-Susan C. Thomey (Ousier Boudreaux), Sarah Spradlin (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie), Melissa Dillon Thompson (Truvy Jones). Photo by Matthew Burns
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Reserve tickets by calling 501-315-5483 or purchase tickets on the new website, theroyaltheatre.org.
Ticket prices are $12 for General Admission, $10 for Seniors aged 60 and above, members of the military and college students with valid I.D., and $6 for 12th Grade and below.
Visit https://theroyalplayers.
- Directed by Mark Troillett
- Produced by Phoebe Earles and Michelle Griffis
- Stage Managed by Matthew Burns
From Left to Right-Pam Volkert Vidt (Clairee Belcher), Roben R. Sullivant (M’Lynn Eatenton), Abby Curry (Annelle Dupuy-Desoto), Susan C. Thomey (Ouiser Boudreaux), Sarah Spradlin (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie), Melissa Dillon Thompson (Truvy Jones). Photo by Matthew Burns
Written by Robert Harling about his own real-life family experiences in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Steel Magnolias originally opened Off-Broadway in 1987 at the WPA Theatre in New York City and has toured around the world since, becoming a critically acclaimed film in 1989.
Visit the Royal Theatre on June 6-16 to be welcomed to Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire; Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few revealing verbal collisions, the play invokes knowing laughter and certain tears when the spunky Shelby risks her life for a child of her own. The realization of mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love – in these uniquely American women-magnolias made of steel. Harling has been quoted to say about the women he based his characters on, “I always thought the women in my community were so witty and clever,” he says. “It was like a witty one-upmanship [between them]. In a lot of ways, they talked in bumper stickers.”
Cast List
- Melissa Dillon Thompson as Truvy Jones
- Abby Curry as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto
- Pam Volkert Vidt as Clairee Belcher
- Sarah Spradlin as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie
- Roben R. Sullivant as M’Lynn Eatenton
- Susan C Thomey as Ouiser Boudreaux
For more information contact Phoebe Earles 501-249-9179 or [email protected].
Steel Magnolias is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, 440 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016, Phone: 212-683-8960 Fax: 212-213-1539, www.Dramatists.com.