‘Steel Magnolias’ cast members rehearse on Thursday, April 4. The production will open on Thursday. From left are, Kalea Bennett of Aransas Pass as Shelby, Dawn Robertson of Portland as Truvy, Jessica Albert of Corpus Christi as Annelle (understudy), Meridith Medley of Port Aransas as M’Lynn, Dale Gonzales of Corpus Christi as Annelle, Kristin McLaughlin of Corpus Christi as Ouiser and Sandy Klemm of Portland as Clairee. The production will run Thursdays through Sundays, April 11 through April 28, at the PACT. Staff photo by Lee Harrison
Meet the ladies who frequent Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, when “Steel Magnolias” comes to the Port Aransas Community Theatre stage.
The production will open on Thursday, and run Thursday through Sunday, April 11 to 28.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets for general admission seating are $22 per person and may be purchased online at www.portaransascommunitytheatre.com/magnolias.
“All the ladies who are anybody come to have their hair done at Truvy’s salon,” said a news release from the PACT.
“ Truvy is helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married).
“The outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos 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 (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a ‘good ole boy.’
“The play is filled with hilarious repartee, it moves toward tragedy and shows how the sudden realization of mortality affects the gang. It also draws on the underlying strength and love, which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.”
Directing the play is Laura Goedrich, who said, “In 2016 I lost my 19-year-old son. From that moment forward, my life changed. ‘Steel Magnolias’ is near and dear to my heart as it details the loss of a beloved adult child and the friendships that pull you through the grief.”
“I have greatly enjoyed becoming part of the PACT community, both as a director and a volunteer. You’ll find me here at most events helping in one way or another, she said. “I look forward to acting in and directing more productions here at PACT. Theatre is who I am. As I say, ‘I do not believe in saving the drama for your mama! Life is too short!’ “
Starring in the play are Dawn Robertson as Truvy, Dale Gonzales as Anelle, Meredith Medley as M’Lynn, Sandra Klemm as Clairee, Kristin McLaughlin as Ouiser, Kalea Bennett as Shelby and Jessica Albert, the understudy for Anelle’s character.
The production team includes stage manager Glenda McCormick; set designer Ray Dillahunty; technical supervisor Rick Adams and tech Paul Klemm.
Volunteers are always needed to work the concessions, act as ushers and pass out PACT play bills. To volunteer, go to www.portaransascommunitytheatre.com/volunteer.
As a thank-you to the volunteers, the PACT invites them to stay and watch the performance.
The PACT is located at 2327 State Highway 361.
Leave a Reply