Steel Magnolias Blossoms at Mississippi College
A star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and Daryl Hannah comprised the splendid cast of the movie version of “Steel Magnolias” in 1989.
Thirty years later, the Mississippi College Tribal Players will showcase their talents in the stage version on the Clinton campus. Productions run from February 14-17 at Swor Auditorium.
Louisiana native Robert Harling penned the Southern tragic comedy in 1987 just months after his younger sister, Susan, died of complications from diabetes.
Written in tribute to his sister, his mother and the women supporting them, Harling’s work captures the essence of Southern culture. Audiences packing New York City’s Lucille Lortel Theatre for three years raved about performances that mixed tears with laughter. The popular film garnered Roberts, 22, an Academy Award nomination to transform the Georgia native into a star.
This winter, Mississippi College students are busy rehearsing as they bring “Steel Magnolias” to campus. Communication professor Phyllis Seawright serves as the play’s director.
“Being part of Steel Magnolias is an absolute dream,” says MC senior Lexey Monceaux, who plays the role of Annelle Dupuy-DeSoto. “She’s a little silly, a little funny and displays a whole lot of passion.”
Harling’s play, said the Clanton, Alabama resident, “really embodies the culture of Southern women in a way that touches the heart like no other.”
The public relations major relishes the play’s lineup of memorable characters.
MC junior Sarah Gremillion is honored to portray Clairee Belcher, the former first lady of Chinquapin. “Clairee is a dashing former first lady whose biting wit charms and honors those around her. Clairee’s love for sweets, football and bits of gossip humanize her.”
A social studies education major, Sarah did little to tweak her Southern accent. Kenner, Louisiana, near New Orleans, remains her home.
Another Louisiana native, Emmie Fusion of Baton Rouge is delighted to be cast as Truvy Jones. Playing Truvy, says the public relations major and MC junior “taught me to be bold in kindness, laugh through the tears, and always look at the bright side of things.”
Magnolia State audiences will discover a half-dozen main characters played by Mississippi College women shine throughout “Steel Magnolias.”
Two Texans join the cast. A senior mass media major from Dallas, Kat Tate plays M’Lynn Eatenton. Kat is a theater minor taking part in her final show at Swor Auditorium.
An English writing major from Coppell, Texas, MC junior Madeline Osigian assumes the role of Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie. Shelby is a diabetic who’s constantly helping people. “She’s a sassy, but sweet daughter, who works hard for her family.”
A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (who now lives in Ridgeland), MC senior Carley Claudio is perfect as the loud, proud and sharp-tongued Ouiser Boudreaux. What sums up her role in a few words? “Ouiser is a tough Southern belle ready to cut you to ribbons with her eyes alone.” She’s a dog-lover, too.
A biological sciences major constantly hitting the books, Carley Claudio says starring in “Steel Magnolias” may be the most fun she’s experienced in three years at Mississippi College.
Tickets are now on sale for the Communication Department production. Tickets cost $7 for students, MC employees and senior adults. The price is $10 for general admission. The cost is $4 per ticket for groups of 20 or more.
Show times are 7 p.m. February 14-16. The final show is set for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday February 17. For additional information, contact Phyllis Seawright at 601-925-3453 or seawrigh@mc.edu
Sign-up For Our Newsletter
Get the latest news about Mississippi College delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Along College Street e-newsletter.
