Graiguenamanagh drama group to perform play about female friends
FAMOUS ’STEEL MAGNOLIAS’ STORY TELLS OF LIFE’S JOYS AND SORROWS
THE well respected and muchloved Duiske Players Drama Group are currently in rehearsals for this year’s production of Robert Harling’s ‘Steel Magnolias’, which takes place in Graiguenamanagh over three nights from Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 27.
Directed by group stalwart Peter Prendergast following his box office hit productions of the much loved comedy ‘Drinking Habits’, ‘A Kiss on The Bottom’ and ‘Lovers At Versailles’, the film is set in a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana.
The play is set around the lives and friendships of six Southern women who gather regularly at the salon to gossip, share stories and support each other through life’s ups and downs. The main characters include Truvy Jones, the outspoken and kind-hearted owner of the salon; Annelle, a shy and insecure newcomer to town who becomes Truvy’s assistant; Shelby a young and spirited bride-to-be with diabetes; M’Lynn, Shelby’s protective yet loving mother; Claire, a wealthy widow with a sharp wit and a generous spirit; and Ouiser, a grumpy yet lovable curmudgeon.
Through their witty banter and unwavering support for one another, they navigate the joys and sorrows of life, showcasing the strength and delicate beauty that lies within them, akin to the enduring nature of steel wrapped in the softness of magnolia blossoms.
The magnolias themselves are played by Rebecca Murphy, Brid Moloney, Edel Bolger, Stas Bolger, Caroline Cotter and Lily Brennan.
Speaking last week at the launch of the performance schedule director Peter Prendergast said: “This has been a wonderful play to work on and it really encapsulates all that is good about an ensemble in theatre. The well-written text and the delicate and humorous storylines have given myself and the cast much to get our teeth into, and I am sure that the results of our labours will be enjoyed by all.”
Group Chairperson, Lily Brennan said: “We are confident that all those who attend leave the hall feeling uplifted and heartily entertained by this play. An amount of work has gone into this play with the director, cast and crew working tirelessly in
THIS HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL PLAY TO WORK ON. IT REALLY ENCAPSULATES ALL THAT IS GOOD ABOUT AN ENSEMBLE
pursuit of perfection and we look forward to hearing the audiences reaction to our efforts.”
The group boasts great talent in terms of stage management and set design and again this year Eamonn Doherty, Liz O’ Neill and Maria Espinosa are in charge of creating the set, set dressing and stage management.
Feekie O’Brien will look after the lights and Adrian Kavanagh will operate the soundscape. Mary Meaney will be looking after continuity and Bonnie Prendergast, Nancy Moloney, Marian Kielthy, Liz Whelan and Edward Hayden will lead the front of house along with other members and friends of the Duiske Players Drama Group.
The group would like to thank local hairdressing royalty Georgina Foley (Hair by Georgina) and Evelyn Farrell (Ryanhair) for all their support and encouragement and for helping Truvy and Annelle turn into hairdressers!
The play will take place in The Abbey Hall in Graiguenamanagh at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets are €12. Seating is unrestricted and is allocated on a first come, first served basis.