Six local Fernie women will take the stage at The Arts Station this week to prove they are as delicate as flowers, but as tough as nails in their performance of Steel Magnolias.
The story revolves around a group of southern women in northwest Louisiana. The action centres on Truvy's beauty parlour and the women who gather there. Beginning on the morning of Shelby's wedding, Steel Magnolias covers the events over the next three years, the ups and downs of life, and the bonds of friendship that see us through it all.
Built on the strength of community, Director Denise Baughan chose to produce Steel Magnolias for the themes that she feels tie into Fernie’s history and past.
“Whenever I’m looking for a play to direct here it’s a matter of finding something that I feel connects with the community,” explained Baughan. “The special thing about this play in particular is that it’s all about friendship and how we deal with hard times and having kind of a light heart about it.”
She went on to say, “Since moving to Fernie, the biggest thing that I have observed about this community is the strength of people bonding together to help each other through things. Also, I think Fernie has a good sense of humour about it. We’re not afraid to make fun of our quirks and to really celebrate them, and that’s what made this play stand out.”
It’s been a busy past few weeks of rehearsals for the cast and crew, but Baughan said it has been a worthwhile experience.
“I’m fortunate that I found six really talented and dedicated women that were willing to not only act, but when I needed help finding costumes they pulled stuff out of their tickle trunks and helped give feedback in regards to colour and that sort of thing,” she remarked. “I can truly say that it’s been an actual ensemble creation, as opposed to me dictating what they do, it’s been really nice.”
Come on out to see The Arts Station theatre as you have never seen it before, completely transformed into a 1980’s beauty parlour, for a Fernie take on a classic comedy-drama.
The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. on April 18, 19, and 20. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.steelmagnoliasfernie.eventbrite.com.
Tickets: Arts Station Members $12, Non Members $15, Youth $10.