‘Steel Magnolias’ lights up Potter Center stage Nov. 15-17
November 6, 2024
Get ready for the beloved, heartwarming, and humorous story of “Steel Magnolias” when Jackson College presents it on stage Nov. 15, 16 & 17 in the Michael Baughman Theater, Potter Center.
“Steel Magnolias” is the second college & community production in recent years, following last year’s “Sylvia.” Set in a beauty parlor in northwestern Louisiana, life is anything but boring. This heartwarming comedy masterpiece of six unforgettable women celebrates the power of motherhood and friendship. Through laughter, tears, and a thick fog of hairspray, these women face trials and triumphs armed with their greatest strength: each other. This year marks the 35th anniversary of “Steel Magnolias”!
“I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” – Shelby
The play is directed and produced by theatre instructor Sara Anne Tomczak. “Producing ‘Steel Magnolias’ at Jackson College is not just an artistic decision; it is an intentional choice to amplify voices and cultivate a sense of belonging within our community. Jackson College serves a diverse population, where students, faculty, and staff come from various walks of life,” Tomczak said. She adds that it is not just a play for women — it is a play for everyone!
“By producing this work, we provide an opportunity for students and audience members of all genders to explore the full spectrum of human emotion — laughter, grief, love and hope. In a time when many individuals may feel disconnected or isolated, the play offers a poignant reminder that we are never truly alone when we lean on each other. The dynamic relationships between the women of Steel Magnolias mirror the ways in which we, as a college community, navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs together.”
The play offers the opportunity for students to expand their skills in a real-world context.
“Jackson College has a proud tradition of fostering artistic talent and providing students with opportunities to perform, design, and create. Producing a show as rich and layered as ‘Steel Magnolias’ offers a chance to develop students’ technical and artistic skills, from set design to costume design, lighting, sound, and acting.”
Cast members include: Truvy, Aimie Smith; Ouiser, Barb Palmer; Annelle, Erika Chamberlain; M’Lynn, Jessica Nimetallah; Clairee, Kimberly Seaburg; and Shelby, Serenity Gerrild.
Assistant director is Katema Dickenson; stage tech Michael Coy; stage manager, Hanna Beck; and assistant stage manager, Skylar Brundage.
Stage tech students helping with the production include Ashten Lang, Damien Hanchar, Isabella Stover, Lennox Mikolajczyk, Oliver Daly, Ray Mich, Taylor Horner, Valentine Wilson, Violet Anders, Adam Alderman, Adrianna Brugger.
Tickets for “Steel Magnolias” are available now for performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 & 16, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. They are $5 and may be purchased from the Potter Center Box Office, 517.796.8600 or ctl.westindiesmizik.com/pottercenter, or at the door.