By Douglas Boultinghouse
RISON – The Cleveland County Community Theater is turning shades of “blush” and “bashful” for its 12th production – its biggest show to date – “Steel Magnolias,” set to open Saturday, July 20 in Rison at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.
The theater’s production of the 1987 stage play by Robert Harling comes on the (high) heels of the 30th anniversary of the iconic and Southern classic 1989 film of the same name starring legendary actresses Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah.
The touching story, set in nearby northwestern Louisiana, focuses on the bond between a group of strong Southern women as they deal with life’s good times and hard times, based on the real-life story of Harling’s sister’s complications with Type 1 Diabetes.
“It is our privilege to bring such a reputable show that most people know and love to Cleveland County and for the first time ever, surrounding counties,” said Stacy Walz, founder and production manager of the Community Theater.
The show, sponsored by FBT Bank and Mortgage and South Arkansas Business Solutions, is under the direction of experienced theater veteran Shae Carson. It will be the theater’s first full-length production and will include six separate shows throughout July and August.
“We are so grateful to have Shae leading us through this show,” Walz said. “Her experience, paired with that of some of our actresses from other theater groups, has provided many mentoring moments for our local theater members.”
Filling the iconic shoes of the iconic characters are Maggie Rae Barnett as Truvy; Hailey Conner Lane as Shelby; Karen Appleget as Ouiser; Hannah Terry and Kayla Lake trading roles as Annelle; Angel Jacobs and Michelle Rawls trading the role of Clairee; and Yvonne Shelton and Jamie Jacobs taking turns playing beloved matriarch M’Lynn. Rounding out the cast in additional background roles are Diane Fore and Randa Billings.
The Community Theater’s opening night on July 20 will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a special wedding reception themed around the iconic scenes in the play and movie. Some of the offerings will include pigs-in-a-blanket (only Clairee knows if they will be fighting under the blanket), red velvet cake with gray icing (yes, gray icing, possibly in the shape of an armadillo if Walz can track down Aunt Fern) and cherry coke.
Tickets for the opening night special event can be purchased for $25 at the Cleveland County Herald at 215 Main Street office in downtown Rison.
An encore presentation of the show will be held at the fairgrounds in Rison at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Tickets for the encore performance are $20 and can be purchased at the Cleveland County Herald office as well.
Kickstart Kingsland will host a performance Saturday, July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Kingsland School Auditorium. Tickets are $20 and include light refreshments prior to the show. Tickets can be purchased at the Herald office in Rison or by contacting Sharon Crosby in Kingsland.
The Grant County Theater will host a dinner and show production at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Sheridan Elementary Auditorium. Ticket and pricing information can be found by contacting/visiting The Perfect Blend or McCoy-Tygart Pharmacy in Sheridan.
SEARK Community Theater will host two performances Saturday, Aug. 24, at the University of Arkansas-Monticello Fine Arts Center in Monticello. A matinee will be at 2 p.m. and the final performance will be at 7 p.m. Ticket information can be found online at searkconcert.org or by calling (870) 460-1888.
“We cannot wait for the public to see what Shae and the cast have put together,” Walz said. “Don’t forget your tissues!”