Tough as Steel and Delicate as Magnolias

 BY DZHULETTA AVANESIAN

Generic Theater Company presents “Steel Magnolias”  Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 21-23 in Lisner Downstage. The show's all female cast is directed by senior Henry Morillo.

“Steel Magnolias” is about the lives of six women who live in the Natchitoches, La. area. The show’s classic title foreshadows the reality that the female characters can be both tough as steel and delicate as magnolias.

“I expect the audience to have a lot of fun, that's our main goal,” says actress Samantha Gordon, who plays Ouiser. While the cast promises both laughter and tears, “Overall you are going to come out happy and glad you went,” says actress Courtney Wade who plays Annelle.

The show is rare in the sense that the audience will see an all-female cast. There are not many opportunities to see such a thing in theater. 

“I wanted to do a show that had an all female cast because there are many females at GW who want to perform,” said director Henry Morillo. “Unfortunately in theatre it's traditionally hard to find good roles for women.”  

Beyond its female dominated cast, the show is memorable for its famous satirical lines and relatable plot. “The show touches so many topics that everyone has really dealt with, such as illness or losing a family member,” says stage manager Natalie Petruch.

The story also touches on many psychological themes and the audience is expected to experience a wide range of emotions while watching the show.  The story reminds the cast and crew of the importance of friendship and the basic everyday struggles we all face.

“The show is about women who are very powerful and confident of who they are,” says assistant stage manager Leah Cohen. “It’s an awesome message of women power.”

The show is set in a local 1980s Louisiana beauty salon and Generic did an amazing job emulating this. “It's a very homey atmosphere,” said assistant director David Huppert. “The set up is salon, six women and an audience that feels like they are right there with the women.”

The cast praised Morillo for his fun and engaging way of directing. From research into the time period to plenty of planning, he created a vision everyone could get on board with. “I trusted the production team and Henry,” said actress Kellianne King. “He really had a great vision.”

The show starts at 8:00 PM on Thursday and 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are five dollars and can be purchased with cash at the door.