After a summer break the Kaleidoscope Theatre is starting work on its fall production. This November, Kaleidoscope will be presenting Steel Magnolias.
The play, by Robert Harling, will both tickle the funny bone and pull at the heart strings.
“It’s a great play. It has a lot of comedy in it and there is a lot of depth in the characters, from the humour to the sad parts,” said Becky Neuman who is directing the play.
Steel Magnolias focuses on the bond between six women who regularly gather at a beauty parlor in small town Louisiana.
“There are six females ranging from ages 20 to 70, so it covers a wide range of actors. It’s a good thing, because it gives people a chance to see the whole spectrum of what’s going on,” said Neuman.
“The two most comical are the two older ladies. They grew up together and are kind of hard, opinionated, and callous. They love each other dearly, but they’re at each other all the time. The two in between in age are the anchors in the play. One of the younger girls moves into town, finds a home, and becomes friends with everyone else.”
The play is generally about the friendship among the six women, but really focuses on the complications caused by one of the young women and her fight with Type 1 diabetes.
“The play is about the characterization of their friendship and interlaced with a tragedy in their lives. One of the younger ones is very ill and the story focuses on her relationship with her mother and how they deal with the illness together,” said Neuman.
Some may recognize Steel Magnolias from the 1989 movie starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Dolly Parton. The play, from which the movie was based, only stars the six women. Many of the other characters, such as the men, are only mentioned in the dialogue.
“It doesn’t mean it’s not a good play for men to come and watch,” joked Neuman.
Auditions for the play wrapped up earlier this week and rehearsals will begin shortly. Opening night for the play is scheduled for November 15, with shows on 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24.
Kaleidoscope is also looking for volunteers to help out behind the scenes. To learn more visit www.kaleidoscopetheatre.ca or check out their booth at the upcoming Sports, Arts, and Recreation Expo on September 5 in the Badlands Community Facility.
