RSU Theatre to Present Readings of ‘Steel Magnolias’ Nov. 18-19

The Rogers State University theatre program will present two staged readings of the classic southern play “Steel Magnolias” on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18-19.

The readings will be held at 7:07 p.m. in the new Performance Studio, Room 131 of Baird Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and free for RSU students, faculty and staff.

“Steel Magnolias” was written by Robert Harling. In the play, six very different women come together in a beauty salon to share their secrets and bare their souls, throwing in a little neighborly gossip for good measure.

Dr. Mary Mackie, RSU associate professor of creative writing and literature in the RSU Department of English and Humanities, poetry editor of Coweescoowee, and chair of the Faculty Senate, will serve as guest director of “Steel Magnolias.”

“We are pleased to present the university’s first event in this new performance space,” Mackie said.

The all-female cast includes Hannah Westlund of Owasso as Truvy, Ashlee Overton of Oologah as Annelle, Brenda Tuberville, RSU assistant professor and coordinator of developmental studies as Clairee; Kelsi LaValley of Claremore as Shelby; Bonnie Paul, RSU administrative assistant in the Department of English and Humanities as M’Lynn; and Cathy Coomer, RSU assistant professor of communications and general manager of RSU Radio as Ouiser.

Cast members will dress as their characters and will read the play in its entirety, Mackie said. Pre-recorded sound, such as a dog barking, phone ringing and gun shooting, will be incorporated into the production. David Blakely, RSU theatre coordinator, will serve as announcer during the reading.

For more information, call (918) 343-7521.