‘Steel Magnolias’ at Lewiston’s Public Theatre leans into ‘laughter through tears’
From left, Brigid Cleary*, Heather Dilly*, Becca Ballenger*, Odelle Bowman, Beth Hylton* and Mary Caroline Owens* in The Public Theatre's production of "Steel Magnolias." (Photo by Janet Mitchko. * denotes member of Actors' Equity Assoc.)
“Steel Magnolias,” the 1987 play by Robert Harling, became a perennial favorite after the movie version hit the big screen a couple of years later. The play’s nearly perfect mix of comedy with some serious themes earned a reputation that continues to draw audiences to theater stages everywhere.
The Public Theatre in Lewiston will be opening its new season with a new production of the play running Oct. 23 to Nov. 8, and Dolly Parton’s recent passing will no doubt add a slightly melancholy touch to the show.
Parton’s character in the film, Truvy Jones, runs the hair salon where a multi-generational group of Southern women bond together through laughter and tears while also getting their hair done.
Heather Dilly, who will play Truvy, is known for her many roles at the Public Theatre over the years, as well as in movies and TV. She was cast in the Public Theatre production before Parton’s death and admits she cried when she heard the news of her passing. Dilly says she feels “lucky that I get to honor her in this way.”
Having family members from the South helped the actress, who’s originally from the Midwest and said she caught the acting bug at the age of 3, to appreciate the power of a good Southern accent.
“Southern accents make a joke land in a way that I will always love,” she said. Most importantly, though, she wants to put a lot of heart into her role – like Parton did.
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Both Dilly and director Janet Mitchko cited Truvy’s line about “laughter through tears” as their favorite emotion and the key to fully appreciating the play.
While she didn’t initially plan to direct this production, Mitchko was ultimately drawn to the task after she cast many of her favorite actresses, in her role as the Public Theatre’s artistic director. She couldn’t resist the opportunity to “spend time with them in the rehearsal room,” she enthused.
Dilly, in turn, reflected that she finds the director to be a “true partner” and “a trusted guiding light” for her actors.
The veteran of over thirty years of directing at the theater, Mitchko has long found “Steel Magnolias” “very, very funny and also very, very moving – sometimes both at the same time.” She notes that it’s interesting that a male writer could have had such insight into “the humor, heart and strength of women.”
The original 1980s period and “Southern sensibility” within the play will be maintained, though.
“The story itself is quite timeless,” Mitchko said.
Mitchko notes that “Dolly Parton’s passing might make people a little nostalgic to revisit the play.” But she said the story will live on in the hearts of people through the “wonderful foundation of love and friendship” she hopes to bring to life again onstage in Lewiston.
“Steel Magnolias,” Oct. 23-Nov. 8, The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston. Tickets $42, with discounts available. For more, thepublictheatre.org or 207-782-3200.
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Tagged: music and performance, the public theatre
