Steel Magnolias

Directed by Kathie Reid

Six women-delicate as magnolias, tough as steel

Steel Magnolias is the quintessential story of friendship and trust. It serves up a Southern slice of life that’s as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie.

In the world of Truvy’s local homegrown beauty salon six very different women come together to share their secrets, fears and love for one another, while engaging the audience in their hysterical  neighbourly gossip; from weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they share each moment in their lives with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair. When tragedy strikes, it is in the familiar comfort of Truvy’s Salon that they seek the solace of the support that carries them through.

Director’s Notes

My first encounter with Steel Magnolias was the 1987 movie, and, like many baby-boomers of my age I fell in love with these six wonderful women! I went searching until I found the play behind the screenplay, and the playwright, Robert Harling, who wrote a number of other popular plays during the ‘80s and ‘90s, including Laws of Attention, The Evening Star, and The First Wives Club.  

So the Magnolias and I have had a long time coming together. Now that we have, I couldn’t be more excited to bring my favourite play to the community! Enjoy!

Director’s Bio

In 1982 Kathie joined the Perth Community Choir, and stepped on stage for the first time. That was it! The bug bit!

Since then she has played many roles, and worked with many fabulous people.

Last summer she took acting and directing courses with Laurel Smith, the Artistic director of The Classic Theatre Festival, and has since directed The Last Act is a Solo, a One-Act that received great reviews at the Eastern Ontario One-Act Festival in Ottawa, not to mention the Best Female Actor award for its star, Joanna McAulay; served as Assistant Director in last December’s production of Harvey, and stage-managed the recent production of Mail-Order Annie. Steel Magnolias marks Kathie’s debut as director of a full-length show.