The crew at Kaleidoscope Theatre is getting ready to bring their latest top-notch show to the stage starting tonight. Theatre lovers will be treated to Steel Magnolias, the tale of the bond of six women who gather at a beauty parlor in small town Louisiana.
The play is directed by Kaleidoscope veteran Becky Neuman and stars Angela Keibel as beauty parlor owner Truvy, Geraldine Lee as M’Lynn, Denise Bennett-Bertsch as Clairee, Trisha Lewandowski as Louis (aka Ouiser), Cathie Brown as Shelby, and Darby Andrus as Annelle.
All of the cast are veterans to the Kaleidoscope stage, but for some this will be their first big role.
“Darby is new, so this is her first big role in a Kaleidoscope show, but the thing about this play, there really isn’t a main character. They’re all important, so in choosing the cast you need strength all around,” said Neuman.
The Robert Harling play is notable for the depth of its characters and its humour. The six women range from Annelle who is 18 to Clairee and Louis who are in their 70s.
Steel Magnolias also delves into deeper issues. Shelby, one of the youngest of the six women struggles with Type 1 diabetes and the play focuses on her relationship with her mother and how they deal with the illness together.
“It’s basically the idea of the bonding of women when they go to the shop, especially in a town where the women go to the same shop all the time to get their hair done,” said Neuman.
Opening night for the play is tonight. The play then runs on November 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24. To purchase tickets, visit www.kaleidoscopetheatre.ca or by calling 403-823-PLAY (7529).
Everyone is encouraged to come out for the show, especially with Christmas around the corner.
“They don’t want to miss it,” said Neuman. “It’s a great opening to the Christmas season.”
