Comedy-drama ‘Steel Magnolias’ opens in Bigfork
A comedy-drama about the bond among a group of Southern women, the Bigfork Community Players brings “Steel Magnolias” to the stage.
The play will be presented at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on April 19, 20, 26, and 27 and at 2 p.m. on April 21 and 28.
Michele Mank (formerly Shapero) directed “Steel Magnolias” nine years ago in 2015 and, after directing a dozen plays with the Bigfork Community Players, she is directing “Steel Magnolias” a second time.
“I fell in love with the story when I saw the movie 30-some years ago,” said Mank. “And it’s been my favorite play since I directed it almost 10 years ago.”
The play, written by Robert Harling and inspired by the untimely death of his sister, explores relationships among a small group of southern women and how they deal with both the insignificant and the life-changing events they encounter.
“It skirts the boundary between comedy and drama,” says Mank. “And that’s exactly the kind of play I like to do. One where the stakes are life and death and hilarious humor is used as a tool to explore those stakes. Everyone will laugh. Most will cry. And I hope everyone leaves feeling the better for it.”
In the play, the women gather at Truvy Jones’ beauty salon to discuss the happenings of the town, including the wedding of Shelby, the prettiest girl in town. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications.
The play was made into the popular 1989 movie with the same name starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine and Julia Roberts.
“Directing a well-known story offers its own set of challenges,” says Mank.“The first time I directed it, everyone had seen the movie and came with their own expectations for how all the characters should act. But I think enough time has passed since the movie that we can take some license with the characters.”
Mank said actors have their own unique twists when playing characters.
“As director, I still establish an overall vision for the play, which remains in keeping with Harling’s intent and to a great degree the movie, but this time there is more room for creativity, both for the individual actors in their roles and for the production overall,” she said. “I think those who enjoyed the movie will recognize it as the story they loved, but I hope they will enjoy that this production offers a fresh take on the classic story.”
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under 12. Tickets are available at Bigfork Drug, at the door, and online at www.BigforkCommunityPlayers.com.
Shelby, played by Jessica Martinz, right reveals a secret to M’Lynn, played by Amber Everington.