Steel Magnolias

A Drama by Robert Harling
Directed by Angela Woodard

Presented at the Pumphouse Theatre
January 31 – February 15, 2025

All the ladies who are “anybody” come to gossip and have their hair done by Truvy in her Chinquapin, Louisiana salon. Sharing their stories, laughs and tears, Steel Magnolias is the much-loved hit play featuring six amazing women who draw upon their strength and love to meet the challenges of life. Part comedy of manners, part heartfelt tearjerker, and featuring non-stop banter and wisecracks, this play about friendship, community, and the power of the human spirit.

Beyond the publicity blurb:

Set in the fictional Northwestern Louisianna Parish of Chinquapin, the play opens at Truvy’s in-home beauty parlor where a group of women regularly gather. They discuss Shelby’s upcoming wedding to her fiancé, Jackson. The plot covers events over the next three years relating to Shelby’s Type 1 diabetes, and with how the women cope with their conflicts, while remaining friends: Shelby’s decision to have a child despite jeopardizing her health, Clairee’s friendship with the curmudgeon Ouiser; Annelle’s transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl then repentant revival-tent Christian; and Truvy’s relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother M’Lynn, and Shelby’s medical battles, the group’s underlying friendship is prominent throughout the drama.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

All Characters are Female Identifying.
The age ranges listed are for the characters as identified in the script.

Truvy Jones – (40 – 45)
Truvy is the centre of community gossip. Southern Belle. She loves to be in everyone’s personal affairs. Vain. A beautician/hair technician who tries to maintain a positive view in whatever situation her clients may find themselves. Always has advice. Comedic timing.

Annelle Dupuy-Desoto – (18 – 25)
Annelle is a shy, awkward, nervous and creative individual. A fresh graduate from the Trade School. Is in a toxic relationship/marriage. Transforms from a shy, gawdy, softly spoken girl to a Bible-loving Christian who wears her heart on her sleeve. Physical and comedic timing.

Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie – (20 – 25)
Shelby has a very youthful feel about her. The prettiest girl in town. A free spirited go-getter. Rebellious. Nothing will hold her back once her mind is set. Paediatric Nurse. A diabetic. Constantly at odds with her mother, M’Lynn.. Full emotional range.

Ousier Bourdeaux – (60+)
Ousier (pronounced Weezer) is a wealthy curmudgeon. A bitter, annoyed old bitty who dislikes practically everyone. Miserable, yet lovable. A strong personality with a wacky sense of humour. Despises men. Single, with a sweet tooth. Great friend of Clairee. Physical and comedic timing.

Mary-Lynn (M’Lynn) Eatenton (40 – 50)
A carer, nurturer, over protective mother. Community Guidance Councillor and socially prominent career woman. Finds the need to have a firm grasp at all times. Strong and collective. Underneath she is fragile. A worrier. Full emotional range.

Clairee Belcher – (60+)
Clairee is an eloquent, smart mouth Grande Dame. Self deprecating. Sarcastic. The affluent widow of the former Mayor of Chiquapin. Remains playful when serious topics arise. Likes to poke fun at the little things others cry over. Very close friends with Ouiser. Strong comedic timing.

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions for Steel Magnolias will take place In-person in ten minute time-slots
• Please prepare a short monologue (approximately 2 minutes long).
• You may be asked for a cold read.
• Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.
• Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback to read with other performers and improvise in a Southern American Accent.

Morpheus Theatre encourages individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities to audition. Not a traditional actor?  That is okay, get in touch with us and we will find a way for you to showcase what you have to offer.