Robert Harling graduated from law school and decided to become an actor. He made a number of commercials. His sister Susan, who had encouraged him, died of diabetic complications. He wanted her to be remembered, so he started to write. He wrote a play.
There always seems to be a lot of theatre going on in this Valley! Selma Arts Center and the Raisin' Cain Players have already given us some great theatre this year. They have a couple of shows coming in October which will each run just one weekend, so we took a moment to chat with Arts Center Coordinator Nicolette Anderson about those shows.
Robert Harling was a struggling writer whose sister died of diabetic complications. His loss turned into the script of Steel Magnolias, an intense, yet joyful, exploration of a Southern community through the women frequenting Truvy's Beauty Parlor in Chinquapin, Louisiana, in the eighties. Hollywood turned that play into a movie starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Tom Skerritt, and Shirley MacLaine. Lifetime recently showed a version that was African-American-based, featuring Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, and Alfre Woodard. Now, the E&e Performing Arts Center in Kingsburg has brought Steel Magnolias to flower on its compact stage, and its aroma is sweet.
Steel Magnolias, a witty comedy/drama by Robert Harling, is set in Louisiana in Truvy Jones’ beauty salon, which serves as a gathering place (think Starbucks) for women, more family than friends. Truvy (Leeni Mitchell) employs her magic wand and pixie dust making these women feel particularly special.
