Steel Magnolias
by Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT)
Aug. 06 - Aug. 07 (2017)
The action is set in 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 (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, ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years"); 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." Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but 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.
Directed by Missy Barnes.
[graphic via Ardhowen Theatre, Ireland]
Character Breakdown:
Truvy Jones to play 35 – 45. Owns the beauty shop. Vivacious. Dispenses advice with lots of hairspray.
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto to play 18-24. Newly hired assistant. Moves from unsure to wild to religious.
Clairee Belcher to play 55 to late 60’s. Widow of former mayor. Grand dame. Elegant, sophisticated, a true beauty.
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie to play 19. Prettiest girl in town. Loves pink. Strong willed, passionate.
M'Lynn Eatenton to play 40 to 50’s. Shelby's mother. Always knows what’s best, strong, stubborn, the heart of the piece.
Ouiser (pronounced “Weezer”) Boudreaux to play 55 to late 60’s. Wealthy curmudgeon. Tough, Eccentric character.
Auditions are held over two days- Sunday, August 6th at 3:00 and August 7th at 5:30. Actors may attend one or both dates.
It is encouraged (but not required) that everyone auditioning prepares a 45 to 60 second monologue and then stays for cold readings. Monologues can be comedic or dramatic depending on interested role and the experience of the actor. Please bring your calendar so you can list any and all conflicts during the rehearsal period.
Also looking for a stage manager and tech crew! Please attend auditions if you are interested in helping with either!
Rehearsals begin week of September 11th. Performances November 10-12.
Note, July 25: Just a few notes:
- the event is for auditions, performance to be held the first weekend in Nov.
- auditions are closed to those interested in being cast or volunteering on crew only.
- per the director: Because we will be doing cold readings from the script, please choose an audition monologue from a different production to showcase range. Examples in the same style of SM include but are not limited to The Dixie Swim Club, Crimes of the Heart, and Dearly Departed.
- You may attend one or both auditions if you choose to do so.
Thank you all again for your interest! Please do not hesitate to ask questions you have about auditions! We look forward to seeing everyone there!
