(Seguin) – An elite team of local actresses will reunite on stage to launch a two-weekend performance schedule of Steel Magnolias. The theater production, as written by Robert Harling, will debut with its first performance this Friday at the historic Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre.
After performing the show almost 11 years ago, Sheila Lucas, who portrays “Ouiser,” says the timing was again perfect for the cast to come together. Making up the solid cast with Lucas will be Lauren Bouquet, Pat Hoppe, Johanna Bain Johnson, Ivy Koehler Meehan, and Mary Jane Windle.
“These ladies and I have been wanting to work together for over a decade and the timing worked out and since Mary Jane’s son said, ‘I’ve never seen Steel Magnolias!’ That’s when Steve Tschoepe said ‘Oh, I guess we can do it again. I guess it’s time to do it again.’ It worked out. We’ve been maneuvering each other for two years to come upon this date and this grouping and this time frame to get this done and it has exceeded, I think, my expectations and I know all of theirs as well. We are having a great, great time,” said Lucas.
Of course, most remember the story as it unfolded in the 1989 film starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley Maclain, and Dolly Parton. Lucas says the story follows the bond of these women as they tackle one of life’s most difficult challenges.
“The show is truly a southern piece of grace. It’s six women who are best friends and they spill their guts to each other. They live with each other. They love each other. They fuss with each other. It’s a true family of southern graciousness,” said Lucas.
Although the script follows in line with much of the film, cast members say there will still be some differences. Mary Jane Windle, who plays M’Lynn, elaborated on the play’s unique elements.
“The main difference, I think, is that the play takes place in the beauty shop. No exterior, and of course, the movie had the Easter egg hunt. It had the wedding. It had the church. It had men. We have no men,’ chimed all the cast members. “But you will see equity actor for the first time on stage,” said Windle.
The women couldn’t be more excited about having the opportunity to work together on this performance. Hoppe adds that it’s a dream team (cast) and a dream come true for most of them.
“I suppose we started reading the script together about two months ago just a few times. We wanted to do it. We laughed the whole time. We cried. If the audience likes it as much as we do, you are in for a treat,” said Hoppe.
Show times are at 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and again on May 26-27. Sunday matinees are also available at 2:30 p.m. this Sunday and Sunday, May 28.
Tickets are $15 for general admission or $25 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Gift & Gourmet, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, Keepers Interiors, or online at thetexas.org.
The Texas Theatre is located at 425 N. Austin St.