Say the words "Steel Magnolias," and most people will conjure up visions of a girls'-night-in weeper starring Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton.
Now Douglas College is putting its own stamp on Robert Harling's play, which tells the story of a tight-knit group of southern women who turn to laughter and friendship to find strength in adversity.
The comedy-drama tells the story of six close friends who frequent a small-town Louisiana beauty parlour, centring on Shelby - a young woman with Type 1 diabetes who faces a complicated personal decision related to her disease.
"It's a simple story about women who come together and let go of class, religious and other differences in order to support each other through difficult times," says director Deborah Neville in a press release. "There are elements of sadness in the play, but also a great deal of humour."
The six second-year theatre students cast in the play were thrust into what Neville calls "homework assignments" to get ready for their roles - including spending time in a hair salon together and baking a red velvet armadillo-shaped cake, a dessert mentioned in the play.
"The play is a wonderful ensemble piece. All of the characters are beautifully developed with their own storylines, so that gives each of the student actors the opportunity to deliver a great performance," says Neville.
The play stars Nicole Cochrane of Surrey as Annelle, Alexandra Gamache of Surrey as Shelby, Faedra Mirhashemy of New Westminster as Ouiser, Kelsey Robertson of Richmond as Truvy, F.J. van Wyk of Vancouver as Clairee, and Heahter Wyborn of Coquitlam as M'Lynn.
Steel Magnolias is onstage Nov. 1 to 9 at the Studio Theatre at Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave. Tickets are $8 to $12, available through the Massey Theatre box office at 604-521-5050.
It's being presented by the departments of theatre, and stagecraft and event technology.
