Spring has sprung early this year, as the SJU Theatre Company’s production of “Steel Magnolias” opens on Feb. 20 in the Bluett Theater.
The story of six women whose lives are all intertwined by a beauty salon was originally written in 1987 by Robert Harling. In 2005, the play debuted on Broadway for a limited run, but the most popular adaptation of the story has since been the 1989 movie starring Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton.
Stella Chiavon ’23, who plays the role of Annelle, said that the connection between the six female characters is what the play is all about.
“Annelle is new to town and submerged into the sisterhood,” Chiavon said. “She really finds herself throughout the show and finds a family that she always wanted, that she never had.”
Much like Annelle, Chiavon is new to the SJU Theatre Company, with “Steel Magnolias” being her first play with the company. With no idea what the rehearsal process would be like, Chiavon said she found her footing with the help of her castmates.
“Everyone’s very accepting and it’s something I’m very grateful for because I didn’t really know how it was going to be,” Chiavon said. “It’s the perfect amount of work and play, maybe a little more play.”
Jaulie Cantave ’22 joined the cast because as cause a commuter student, she wanted to find a way to get more involved on campus. After having director Lauren Pattillo, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, as a professor before, Cantave said “Steel Magnolias” seemed like a perfect fit.
“When you go to the show, each distinct woman is distinct in their own right, distinct in their own characteristics,” Cantave said. “Ouiser is older, rich and upset with everyone, but also very sweet at times.”
Cantave got the role of Ouiser after the original person casted had to step away due to health issues.
“I just wanted to be involved, have fun and meet cool people,” Cantave said. “Then, completely at the last minute, in January [Pattillo] asked me again if I could be in the show.”
Diana Rach ’22 plays the role of Shelby, a young female character modeled after Harling’s late sister, Susan. Shelby lives with Type 1 diabetes, the same illness that eventually led to Susan’s death.
“[Harling] wrote the show about [Susan’s] life and her struggle as a diabetic,” Rach said. “Shelby pours her heart into everything she does, but she does live with this crippling illness.”
The cast of “Steel Magnolias” is known for being relatively small, with only six roles being offered. Having participated in theater since before coming to St. Joe’s, Rach said she had adapted to the role given the small cast size.
“I’ve done a lot of theater in my life and obviously there’s a bigger cast, but it’s just been so nice,” Rach said. “We’ve been able to get a lot more done because it’s just the six of us. We’re all so close through this experience.”
Jacqueline Ward ’23 also makes her SJU Theatre Company debut in “Steel Magnolias” as Truvy. Having had to find a way to portray someone who loves gossip but has a big heart, Ward said she has enjoyed seeing the show come “alive” in recent weeks.
“The cast has really bonded and become closer through the rehearsal process,” Ward said. “It is really exciting to see everything come together more and more each day at practice.”
“Steel Magnolias” runs Feb. 20, 21, 22, 28 and 29 with performances starting at 8 p.m. and a matinee on March 1 at 2 p.m.
