Strong Southern women make interesting characters and entertaining theater, which is why director Marty Fredrick chose “Steel Magnolias” for MainStage Theatre’s newest production.
“It showcases Southern, ladylike women that have such strength to carry through with family and friends,” Fredrick said. “The character development is so well done. Every line is meaningful. I have cried three times in rehearsals myself.”“Steel Magnolias,” the story of longtime friends who stand strong when one becomes ill, is based on a true story that author Robert Harling wrote about his mother and sister. Originally a play, the script has been made into a movie twice, in 1989 starring Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts, and in 2012 starring Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard and Phylicia Rashad.“I like the play better than the movie,” said Trich Zaitoon, who stars as Ouiser. “There’s no men, no Hollywood, just women who love each other and support each other through crisis.”Even the actresses who auditioned to perform the six roles were strong, Fredrick said, so strong that she double cast all but two of the characters. While Zaitoon will portray the crotchety Ouiser and Marsha Bryan will play the quiet and conservative M’Lynn, the cast for the other four roles with take turns. Sheri Thompson and Gina Kudrna will alternate as beauty shop owner Truvy, Katy Nelson and Heather Sanders will take turns as the young Annelle and Heather Rountree and Lyndsey Simmons will alternate as M’Lynn’s daughter, Shelby.“They are all really demanding roles, all really lead roles,” Fredrick said. “I didn’t have to double cast, but these were all so strong.”Zaitoon, who will be starring in the play for the sixth time, says she actually enjoys playing Truvy the best.“Truvy drives all the scenes and sets the tone, it’s her beauty shop,” she said.While Truvy is funny and big-hearted, Ouiser is a little bit harder to love, Zaitoon admits.“She has a tender hear, especially for Shelby,” she said. “These are her dearest friends in town. She wants to do good and she does do good, but she does it cranky.”When Shelby goes through a life-threatening pregnancy, followed by a severe illness, the characters show their mettle.“It’s such a beautiful picture of love and sacrifice,” said Rountree, who also serves as assistant director in addition to sharing the role of Shelby. “They are all her mother’s friends, but they all kind of mothered her.“It’s a beautiful role, but it’s hard,” she said. “There are some difficult scenes that are just gut-wrenching.”And while the show has some outright hilarious moments, there are others that can tug on anyone’s heartstrings.“You hear men after they’ve seen the show,” Zaitoon said. “They’re the ones that sniffle, then they’re upset that they get emotional.”Amanda Rogers, 817-473-4451 Twitter: @AmandaRogersNM
