“Steel Magnolias exemplifies the core of love, positivity and strength of women. Not just Southern women, but all women,” Kelly Shepherd, who plays ‘Ouiser in our production of Steel Magnolias, explains when asked why is this show so special for so many people.
Annette Remitera as Truvy, Sierra Hobbs as Shelby, Kelly Shepherd as ‘Ousier, Olivia Kegley as Anelle, Leslee Young as M’lynn
You can sit in the audience and see that love and strength were absolutely at the core of creating this production, and although 2020 has made positivity hard to find, it’s in there too.
Kelly Shepherd as ‘Ousier, Leslee Young as M’lynn
The cast and crew went into this process knowing this would be a different production. This is the first mainstage production at Pensacola Little Theatre since COVID19 changed everything for everyone.
There are a lot of emotional moments throughout this beloved show that had to be explored with fresh cautious eyes. Kathy Holsworth, the show’s director and Artistic Director at PLT, thought long and hard about the blocking and how to show the audience these incredibly strong relationships without a lot of touching. She wanted to make sure the actors had very limited contact with each other throughout the entire process.
Annette Remitera who plays the vibrant salon owner, Truvy, says that the experience of socially-distanced blocking has been both challenging and beneficial. “Blocking with strategic distancing challenges your ability as an actress to convey intimacy without touch. It has allowed us to open up our hearts, and better embody the dialogue without relying on tropes- the ‘it’s all right’ pat, the ‘look how much I support you’ hug, etc.”
Having to do without those “tropes” has caused these 6 actors to sharpen some other important acting skills. “It's been a great lesson. I never realized before how much we as actors depend on the power of our hands. You certainly can teach an old dog new tricks,” says Shepherd.
Leslee Young as M’lynn, Connie Cali as Clairee, Kelly Shepherd as ‘Ousier, Olivia Kegley as Anelle
Sierra Hobbs as Shelby, Remitera as Truvy
She goes on to explain that having to work through these challenges together has brought the women closer together, “ I want to hug all these women so badly. I do find myself listening more intently and finding new ways to emote concern other than touching. Conveying through vocal emotions and facial expression has bonded us more deeply than hand to body reaction.”
Our production of Steel Magnolias runs for its last weekend October 22-25. You can also watch it online if you aren't quite ready to return to the theatre.
This cast has faced a global pandemic, socially distanced blocking and programming, plus a hurricane during this rehearsal process with amazing grace. They are all truly Steel Magnolias.
Written by Ashley McGlothren