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Written in 1987, this hilarious and touching play for six
women is set in a beauty parlour somewhere in Louisiana. While being pampered by
Truvy and her assistant Annelle, the ladies come to catch up on the gossip at
‘Chinquapin’ running the gamut of the birth/marriage/death cycle. When the play
moves towards tragedy in the second half, the deep strength and purposefulness
of the characters are ultimately revealed, a testament to the enduring nature of
the female spirit.
In many ways, the film version of Steel Magnolias, starring
Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Shirley MacClaine, does not do the play justice.
It is a perfectly formed play, not least because of the witty and entertaining
dialogue and I envisage it working really well within the intimacy of the Bull
Theatre space.
Some of the characters I have likened to the women featured
in The Golden Girls series (if any of you remember that!) and these are
referenced below.
An ability to master the Southern American accent is
important. Think Gone with the Wind or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
There are no main characters as such; the characters have
equal weighting, making consistent appearances throughout the play. This gives
the play a harmonious quality, creating an environment in which the actresses
can work collaboratively and draw on personal experiences/friendships.
Look forward to seeing you at the audition!
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