SOAR Regional Arts presents Steel Magnolias!

Steel Magnolias is a beautifully crafted play that lovingly evokes a picture of eccentricity and enduring friendship in a small-town beauty parlor, where the motto is: “There is no such thing as natural beauty.” Through clouds of hairspray and over the buzz of blow dryers, this group of southern ladies share their hopes, dreams and even fears, as they gather each week to gossip and support each other through thick and thin. The play is both hilarious and touching and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness of these warm, loving women – both delicate as magnolias, yet strong as steel.

SOAR is proud to introduce the cast: Jacleen Olson as Truvy Jones, Mari Hyman as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto, Peg Janisch as M’Lynn Eatenton, Gabriella Abbott as Shelby Eatenton, Robbye Lewis as Clairee Belcher, and Maribeth Schulke as Ouiser Boudreaux.

There are many exciting “firsts” for SOAR in their production of Steel Magnolias. This will be the first nonmusical production in their 6-year history. Also, in an effort to create a smaller, more intimate production, SOAR will literally be bringing “the stage” to the St Michael Cinema, creating a true theatrical space. Complete with lighting, sound, set and stadium seating (which ensures wonderful viewing from every seat), the audience will be welcomed to Chinquapin, Louisiana in style! Another thing new to SOAR for this production is free bussing for Senior citizens to the performance. SOAR would like everyone in the area to enjoy the arts!

SOAR also has the privilege of working with Director Shelli Place for this production. Shelli has produced/directed plays, musical revues and fashion shows in the U.S, Europe & Asia. As Creative Director for Disney Business Productions, she created product launches and award ceremonies for numerous Fortune 500 companies and various Walt Disney business units. She has worked with former Presidents, First Ladies, Senators, Corporate Presidents, CEOs and Headline Entertainers in both music and comedy. She was director for NFLA’s Player of the Year shows for 3 Super Bowls, working with sports luminaries and Hall of Fame Players. MN directing credits include productions at Theater Unbound, Theater NOW, MN Fringe, MJTC and the Hennepin Theater Trust production of The How and the Why (nominated for best director by Broadway World). Shelli is the co-founder of PRIME Productions...dedicated to “Celebrating Women in Their Second Act!” She directed PRIME’s inaugural production, Steven McCasland’s Little Wars to sold out audiences. Shelli is a member of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, SAG/AFTRA and Actor’s Equity Association. She is thrilled to be directing one of her favorite plays, Steel Magnolias, for SOAR.

These live performances will be held Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, May 13 at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm at the St Michael Cinema in St Michael. Ticket prices are $15.00 per person online and $17.00 per person at the door. Visit www.soararts.com for tickets and more information.