LTO’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ spotlights friendships
From left, mother M’Lynn (Rebecca Somers) and daughter Shelby (Amanda Andrews) have a tough conversation during Little Theatre of Owatonna’s production of “Steel Magnolias.” The 1980s-era stage show opens Feb. 16. Staff photo by Joni Hubred
When you attend the Little Theater of Owatonna’s winter show, “Steel Magnolias,” don’t look for a recreation of the iconic 1980s movie.
The biggest difference is that the play written by Robert Harling takes place in only one setting.
“There’s no off-site in the play, everything is in the (beauty) shop,” said cast member Rebecca Somers. “All of the things they show you i the movie, we tell you in the play.”
Harling’s story, based on his own sister’s death, explores the bonds of friendship among a group of women in a small, Louisiana parish. The cast–all Owatonnans–includes Somers as M’Lynn Eatonton; M'Lynn's daughter, Shelby, played by Amanda Andrews; beauty shop owner Truvy Jones, played by Vidette Ostermeier; friends Ouiser Boudreaux and Clairee Belcher, played by Polly Shives and Cindy Bucher; and Annelle Dupuy-Desoto, played by Emma Oytoe, who is a newcomer to town and hairdresser in Truvy’s shop.
The director is Linda Karnauskas; technical director Brenda Hager.
Ostermeier described the characters as “extended family… They’re your support group, the people you can tell anything to.” The story spans several years, through celebrations and tragedies. Shelby, who is diabetic, risks–and loses–her life to give birth to a son.
But while the movie is often remembered for its sad moments, Karnauskas said, “We’re focusing on the humor.”
“There’s so much humor in the story that isn’t about the big jokes,” she added.
Andrews also feels the play “brings out so many more emotions than the movie did.” People will recognize the characters, Ostermeier said, but each is slightly altered, as “each of us puts our own spin on it.”
“I hope the audiences forget about the movie and that this is fresh experience for them,” Shives said.
The cast is building relationships from scratch; they’ve never acted together. All agree that in addition to the show, the director inspired them to audition. Oytoe described Karnauskas as “gracious and supportive.”
“Linda’s a pretty special person,” Somers said. “Her character alone makes me want to work with her.”
There are also plans in the works to add some fun themes for each performance, like a “Blush and Bashful Pink” night, in honor of the colors for Shelby’s wedding. The set includes an old-fashioned southern porch, where audience members can take photos after the show.
Season ticket holders can reserve their seats now for shows slated Feb. 16-18 and 23-25. Sales to the general public open Feb. 3. Visit littletheatreofowatonna.org to purchase tickets and for more information.