by Amber Countryman, Sumner Newscow — After countless rehearsals, an all-female cast will perform Robert Harling’s play “Steel Magnolias” on Oct. 14-16 at Memorial Auditorium.

Much like the original movie, the play is set in the fictional northwestern Louisiana parish of Chinquapin. The play opens in Truvy’s in-home beauty parlor, where a woman’s group gathers regularly. The discussion center’s around Shelby’s upcoming wedding to her fiance, Jackson. The plot covers events within the following three years relating to Shelby’s diagnosis of Type I diabetes and how the women cope with their conflicts, all the while remaining friends, including Shelby’s decision to have a child despite jeopardizing her health, Clairee’s friendship with the curmudgeon Ouiser, Annelle’s transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl then repentant revival-tent Christian, and Truvy’s relationships with the family’s men. The main storyline involves Shelby’s medical battles, her mother, M’Lynn, and the group’s underlying friendship.

“It’s been a great experience to direct a group of actors who have embodied the play’s theme of strong female friendship,” said Lisa Vargas, the WCT play director.

The six characters cast in the play include:

Shelby Wiens as Shelby, Michelle Radcliff as M’Lynn, Deona Madrigal as Truvy, Mary Smith as Clairee, Nicole Thomason as Ouiser, and Jennifer Ault at Annelle. 

“When I saw that the Wellington Community Theater would be holding auditions for Steel Magnolias, I knew that, of course, I had to audition for Shelby,” Wiens said. “Not only did I love the movie, but I thought how fun it would be to be cast as a character with the same name. As I read more of the play during practices, I realized how close to this character I felt.”

As director Vargas is a seasoned thespian. Ava Erber, the 10-year-old daughter of Adam and Alisa Erber, is the assistant director. Braydon Jackson has assisted with directing and stage management, and Tony Stringer is in charge of sound and lights. 

“Rehearsals are coming along great,” Wiens said. “The cast is from all over and we went in this not knowing each other for the most part, but we seemed to have had instant chemistry. I expect all three performances to be just fantastic as I think the cast’s ever-growing bond will drive home the theme of the play of these women’s lifelong bonds and strength.”

Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12-17. Prices at the door are $12 for adults and $7 for ages 12-17. Children under 11 years old are free. Tickets can  be purchased from any cast member or the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce. There will be a drawing for a Day of Beauty basket during intermission of Sunday’s show. Tickets for the basket are $1 each or 6/$5. During intermission, a bleeding armadillo cake will be served. 

Come out and enjoy some entertainment and support the Wellington Community Theater.