THE WOMEN BEHIND STEEL MAGNOLIAS
In Robert Harling’s off-Broadway hit “Steel Magnolias” he wrote about women sharing their secrets, dreams and incipient sorrows under those dryers at the local beauty parlour.
Truvy’s town salon became a centre for confrontations, consolation and communication. The characters, all female, were written by a man with a keen eye for feminine foibles and friendships. These are the folk who come for a weekly wash, set and bitch session. Wisely, unlike the film version, Harling left the male characters they loved, fought with and dreamed about offstage. Adding them to the film weakened this female-centric story.
Here are the women behind the story:
Kelly Kimpton plays Clairee Belcher
“After being away from theatre for eight years, I was nervous about coming back. But when I saw the audition notice for ‘Steel Magnolias’ I knew it was time to tread the boards again in a wonderful show about strong women. I play Clairee and I love the character because of her delicious Southern wit and her dedication to the women in her life. Going from playing vamps to a senior citizen will be a challenging one, but one as sweet as her pecan tassies.”
Alexandra Chappell plays Annelle Dupuy
“I am a clinical research professional working in oncology drug development. I grew up acting in plays. Similar to Shelby (a major character in this play) I have been living with Type 1 diabetes since I was 11. Because of this I have learned to live like a Steel Magnolia. I play Annelle. She is a young, naïve, insecure newcomer to town. Hired as a hairdresser in Truvy’s salon she morphs from a meek, insecure girl into a self-assured woman who finds strength in herself with the help of her friends.”
Julie Tisdale plays Ouiser Boudreaux
“I’ve been acting and directing in the Hamilton-Oakville area for over 30 years. I’ve performed everything from heart-wrenching drama to lighthearted comedy. I’ve also taught drama for many years at a local school and in a private studio. Through fate and choices, Ouiser has become disillusioned with most of the world. To protect herself she masks vulnerability with general crustiness. It’s only with her core group of friends at the beauty shop that she feels safe enough to show her true feelings.”
Kimberly Jonasson plays Truvy
“I am a law clerk by day and a community theatre enthusiast in my free time. I have four children, five and a half grandchildren, two dogs and a cat. I am fortunate enough to be married to my best friend. I’m playing Truvy, the salon owner in ‘Steel Magnolias.’
"Right now I am hard at work learning my lines and practising my backcombing.”
Deb Dagenais plays M’Lynn Eatenton
“I play Shelby’s mother. As a real life mom of three young adult children, I find it easy to identify with M’Lynn, especially in relation to the importance of family. As with all characters in this play she is a strong woman. She is used to having control over various aspects of her life. When she loses that control we get to see how, even through fragility, she finds strength and resilience with a little help from her allimportant women friends.”
Jennifer Graham plays Shelby Eatenton
“I am a busy mama to two little girls, a community theatre addict
and lover of steel toe boots. What I love about Shelby is her determination. She will not let any obstacle stand in the way of her dreams. I can relate to this character on many levels. Shelby is a fighter for what she believes in and loves those around her with her whole heart. Unlike Shelby, I am never saucy and always listen to the advice of my own Mama. References unavailable.”
Director Diane Brokenshire
“For 37 years I have been happily involved in theatre, onstage and off along with being mom to three daughters and their beautiful families — five grandsons and one granddaughter. The love of theatre is a family affair. Magnolias is my 15th show in the director’s chair.
“I believe theatre plays an important part in society. It entertains, enlightens, incites and connects people on an emotional level. ‘Steel Magnolias’ is, in a way, coming home for me. I’ve played M’Lynn twice before. ‘Steel Magnolias’ is a celebration of the gift of having a network of friends who always have each other’s back. A safety net of love and deep understanding to help get us through the hard times. Much like my own families at home and at the theatre.”
Gary Smith has written on theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator for more than 35 years.