When the director advises you to bring a box of Kleenex, you come prepared.
This month, Jacqollyne Keath leads her "dream team" in Steel Magnolias, the latest production by Stage 43 Theatrical Society that opens next Thursday in Coquitlam.
The show, she said, "has lots of depth for all the six ladies" though the narrative is mostly centered around M'Lynn and her daughter, Shelby.
Keath, who last directed a Stage 43 play in April 2014, said the 1987 stage event - from which the movie is based and stars Julia Roberts, Sally Fields and Dolly Parton - tells the true story of the sister of playwright Robert Harling.
It is set in Truvy's beauty salon, a transformed carport, which is where the townsfolk of Chinquapin, Louisiana, go to get their hair done and share stories - often with strangers.
"It's their trials and tribulations... relationships and supports," said Keath who chose to direct the show for the Coquitlam community theatre company. "It's a real tear jerker, too, so have your tissue ready."
Taking on the character of M'Lynn is Port Coquitlam resident Michelle Berg, the newest addition to Stage 43's board, while Alannah St. Pierre is Shelby.
Rounding out the cast is Angela Bell as Truvy, Nancy Ebert as Clairee, Jill Menkveld as Annelle and Sharon Notarrigo as Ouiser.
Steel Magnolias is the second show of the season for Stage 43, which this year picked a strong female theme (in the fall, it came out with Mama Won't Fly; this spring, it's Secrets of a Soccer Mom, directed by Stephen Torrence).
Keath said plays with strong female motifs are popular, especially as women make up more than half of the province's population and are dominant in the theatre community.
Stage 43's Steel Magnolias runs at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from Jan. 15 to 18 and Jan. 21 to 24. Call the box office at 604-927-6555 or visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca. The company is also giving away two tickets for opening night through its Facebook page; the entry deadline is Jan. 12.
@jwarrenTC
