Off Night Productions (ONP) is thrilled to announce their upcoming production of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,” running August 11th-13th and 18th – 20th at the John Waldron Arts Center’s Whikehart Auditorium (122 S Walnut Street, downtown Bloomington). More information about ticket sales is forthcoming. |
The contemporary American classic “Steel Magnolias” is a hilarious and touching tale of female friendship, set in the small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana during the late 1980s. Within the glittery, glamorous sanctuary of Truvy’s beauty salon, six of the town’s most beloved women trade witty barbs, sage advice, and support one another through a variety of challenges. The story showcases the immense power of female friendship to keep us laughing and inspire us to overcome loneliness, self-doubt, and life’s most devastating tragedies.
Off Night Productions, a female-led production company producing contemporary theatre and music on off-nights of the traditional performance week, produces 2-3 events per year, with a focus on increasing female and non-binary leadership across all areas of theatre production. The newly incorporated non-profit theater’s board and co-founders chose this show because of its connection to the organization’s mission.
“Steel Magnolias was an obvious choice for our second full production because of its ability to showcase Bloomington’s growing pool of immensely talented local actresses,” says Artistic Director Aubrey Seader. “The show features an all-female cast of six actors, spanning a variety of ages. That’s not something you can say of very many contemporary plays.”
“Steel Magnolias” will be co-directed by Aubrey Seader, ONP Artistic Director, and Cassie Hakken, director of Off Night Production’s July 2023 production of “Proof.”
Cassie Hakken is thrilled to be co-directing this show, one that holds a special place in her heart. “My mom first introduced me to “Steel Magnolias” as a child and this beautiful story has stuck with me ever since. There is something so special about female friendships, and I think the play does an incredible job of representing that bond in a relevant and universal way. I’m excited to work with an all-female cast, something surprisingly rare in the theatre industry, and to bring this show to the Bloomington community.”
While ONP seeks to showcase local acting talent through its production of “Steel Magnolias,” Artistic Director Aubrey Seader sees the selection of this show as a love letter to a city full of strong female leadership. “We hope this play will serve to celebrate the many local women who continue to improve local quality of life through their leadership, and through their everyday (often overlooked) labors of love.”
Audition information for “Steel Magnolias” is forthcoming. Designers and technicians can apply via email at [email protected]. Click here to join the digital mailing list.
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