'Steel Magnolias' to celebrate 35 years on stage

"Steel Magnolias," the Washington Little Theater Company's next production, is special in that it marks the group's 35th anniversary, 19712006.

There will be a special schedule of performances to take in the gala celebration which is planned for Saturday, September 30. The revised schedule now reads: evening performance on Friday night, September 29; matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, September 30, followed by the gala (see story elsewhere); and no matinee on Sunday afternoon, October 1.

The next weekend, the usual evening performances will be at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, October 6 and 7, followed by a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, October 8.

Reservations may be made starting Wednesday, September 13, by calling 706-678-9582.

Since all the roles are major, according to Director Bolton Lunceford, all the actors can be said to be starring in "Steel Magnolias," and are listed in alphabetical order.

Meredith Atwood is Annelle, bewildered newcomer to the Chinquapin, La., group of friends. Because talented actors turned up for auditions, this role will be handled by another actress the second weekend.

Judy Burkham plays Ouiser, the acerbic, overaged bad child of the group; and Jerry Denard reprises the role of Truvy, the owner of the beauty parlor where the friends gather. Her first, wildly popular, appearance as Truvy was in March, 1989. Ginny King plays Clairee, widow

of the town's mayor who comes to brisk life during the course of the evening. Katy Leverett of Lincolnton, remembered for her starring role in WLTCo's "Father of the Bride, is the lovely Shelby whose well-being is of such concern to all.

Sarah Peacock is M'Lynn, Shelby's strong, tart-tongued, deeply loving mother.

Delaney Russell, no stranger to our stage, plays Annelle for the three performances of the second weekend.

"With such a cast and such a play, we can't help having a winner," says Lunceford.

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