Preparations commence for upcoming MC play Steel Magnolias
This fall, the Maryville College theater department will put on a stage production of the comedy-drama Steel Magnolias. This popular 1989 film starring Julia Roberts, Sally Fields and Dolly Parton explores themes of tragedy among complex adult friendships.
“It takes place in a tiny county called Chinquapin, Louisiana – fictional, of course,” said Colin Hood (‘25) (he/they), who will be acting in the play. “It’s about six women who have a really close relationship with each other. They all gather at the hair salon and they gossip.”
Hood added that it is about the struggles of these women, specifically the youngest of the group–a woman named Shelby who has Type I Diabetes. Hood said that this story focuses on the integral bonds on female friendships and the hardships that the characters go through.
While Hood is eager to take on their role, they are also aware of the challenges that will arise. Hood plays the character Truvy, the lively and animated owner of the beauty salon where most of the story is set, who was famously played by the beloved Dolly Parton.
“She’s the real big gossip of the show,” Hood said. “I think the hardest thing for me would be to try to not replicate Dolly’s performance in the movie,” they laughed, adding that they will do their best to make their own version of the character, rather than follow Dolly’s style too closely.
Andy Vaught, the director for Steel Magnolias, is committed to highlighting the best out of the actors and the play. Auditions evaluated individuals, focusing on one-on-one practices and chemistry among cast members.
“I use ‘sides,’ and a side is a selection from the play that they are auditioning for,” said Vaught. “Those are available when you come to rehearsals; It is called a ‘cold reading.’ Some directors use cold readings or sides, where you pair people up, to see who works best with others,” he said. This approach lets Vaught mix and match performers, to see where everyone is compatible.
“Trying to separate our performances from what we are remembering from the movie. It’s an interesting challenge for the actors. They’re focusing on the conflict of the show, and what each character is trying to achieve,” said Vaught.
When questioned about how the script and production would be adapted from the movie, Vaught explained the importance of the show, regardless of format.
“This was a play, then it was a movie. Like any friendship or relationship, what we are really working on is moments where you are there for each other—moments of kindness and tenderness—but there are also moments where you have conflict. We are also looking at moments where there is edge and sharpness. It’s about the struggle to love,” Vaught said.
The rehearsals began on Sept. 10, leaving the cast with six weeks before opening day.
“It’s important to have that chemistry,” said Hood. “That was what the callback portion was for, to see how naturally we can convey that chemistry.”
Vaught also explained that students are required to have a role in costuming and set design for the play.
“All theater majors at MC are required to take Theater 204, where we build our sets and costumes. Every actor in this play will have a hand in building the stage that they’re standing on, or helping with the costumes that they’re wearing, or helping with the props that they’re carrying,” said Vaught.
“One thing I like about Maryville College is how we work on creating whole artists, not just actors, designers, or directors, but people who understand each element in creation of theater, and how each element works together to make a whole,” he added.
For Hood, this play will establish another achievement in their theatrical journey.
“I started doing theater in high school. I’ve always had an interest in it, but I didn’t start participating until the first year of high school,” said Hood.
Hood has experience in shows with local children’s theater company Primary Players, and will star as Frank-n-Furter in the annual shadow cast of Rocky Horror at MC this fall.
Among their other accomplishments in theater, Hood expressed excitement for the opportunity and experience that Steel Magnolias will provide.
The Maryville College Theatre invites the student community to show their support by attending the approaching production. Performances are Thursday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. each day, and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Shows will take place in the Haslam Flexible Theater in the Clayton Center of the Arts. Tickets can be reserved on the Clayton Center for the Arts website.