by Cali Lando Brown
Steel Beam Theatre is bringing the charms of the South to the Chicago suburbs with its highly anticipated production of the modern masterpiece “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. It is an endearing story of friendship, strength, and the power of women supporting women.
The award-winning Steel Beam Theatre is known for the high standard of excellence they put into each production. With that in mind, they’ve brought in an expert to direct the powerful “Steel Magnolias.”
“This is my life,” says director Pat Henderson of the story about six strong women characters who congregate at the local beauty shop in the South to share stories and emotional support with each other. Now a celebrated theatrical director, Henderson grew up in the Deep South, where her mother ran a beauty shop where the local women would gather to gossip.
This week, Henderson visits the entertainment news podcast “It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee” to share the stories of her childhood and of preparing “Steel Magnolias” for its opening at Steel Beam Theatre on April 19. For the interview, Henderson is joined by cast members Alexus Buford and Julie Utrup-O’Nan. The episode premiers Wednesday, April 10.
“Steel Magnolias” has wowed audiences as a play and as a feature film. Even though it premiered over 30 years ago, it is still wildly popular today. The story is based on true events and is still relevant. Harling wrote the play as a means to cope with the death of his sister due to complications related to diabetes.
The podcast “It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee” serves as a backstage pass to all things entertainment. Hosted by Rikki Lee Travolta, the weekly program profiles both celebrities and local guests from theatre, film, television, music, and literature.
Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rikkileetravolta
“Steel Magnolias” runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April 19 to May 12, 2024. Performances are at 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 pm on Sundays. Steel Beam Theatre is located at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles, IL.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.SteelBeamTheatre.org or by calling the box office at (630) 587-8521.
