DUNCAN — Six women shared their lives and experiences with one another. And it’s up to Duncan Little Theatre to show how it was done.

Duncan Little Theatre will present “Steel Magnolias” Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20 in the Simmons Center theater.

The dramedy revolves around six Southern women who spend time together at Truvy Salon and exchange gossip yet come together in the face of tragedy. The play is being directed by Michael Harris and Jason Thompson, and was written by Robert Hartling.

Featuring the acting talents of Tana Latham as Truvy, Laura McCormick as Annelle, Sharon Burum as Clairee, Elizabeth Flanders Pitts as Ouiser, Michele Johnson as Shelby and Cindy Reynolds as M’Lynn, the play is expected to deliver entertainment. Both Johnson and Reynolds are new to DLT’s stage.

“These women have come together to provide an outstanding cast,” Harris said. “Their wit, intelligence and acting talents will provide audiences with an incredible evening of theater.”

Burum and Pitts are DLT veterans.

Pitts said she is having fun working with the cast, who was selected from nearly 30 women who auditioned for roles in the play.

“It’s going so well,” Pitts said. “We have such a good cast. I love the fact that we have two new cast members. The veterans are coming out of their shells.”

Burum said the actresses have grown close during the course of rehearsals and fit together well, much like the characters in the play.

“We’re having so much fun,” Burum said. “It’s such a funny play.”

The majority of the cast members will be wearing wigs, and some of them have been practicing rolling and working with hair. For the most part, the actresses will be wearing their own clothes and the play is set in present day Louisiana.

Burum and Pitts said the characters are vastly different from other characters they’ve played, which only adds to their enjoyment of the play. Both also considered themselves lucky to be among the six women chosen from the more than 20 who auditioned.

Burum said the cast has had no problem relating to the characters and expects the audience to have the same experience.

“They’re very real women,” Burum said. “They’re people you know, people you’ve met.”

Pitts and Burum said they have gotten to know their characters well and have seen many of their own traits reflected in the characters.

“It’s a completely different character than I’ve ever played,” Pitts said. “She has so many different facets to her. I think all the cast members are really matched perfectly to their characters.”

Burum said she didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for her portrayal of her character.

“I have an aunt who is really like the part I’m playing,” Burum said. “Whenever I think about my character, I just think about her.

“Everyone has a lot to learn about their characters and their lines. My character really loves sweets. She’s always writing down pie and cake recipes.”

Pitts and Burum said they’re ready to perform and can’t wait to see how the audience reacts.

“It really is a fun play,” Burum said. “I think women will love it. I think the men who come will understand their wives a bit more.”



— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.