Auditions set for ‘Steel Magnolias’

A Block Off Broadway (ABOB) Community Theatre will be putting on a production of Steel Magnolias later in June. Auditions will be held to select the cast members on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and again on Monday, Jan. 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Strand Theater.

Director Joseph Frazier is looking to fill the roles of 12 women.

“The show will have two casts. The ‘Blush’ cast will open the production for the first weekend and the ‘Bashful’ cast will close the show on weekend two,” he said. “I am seeking 12 female actresses to round out the cast. Age and race are not restrictive.”

Steel Magnolias is based on a true story by writer Robert Harling. In 1985, his sister, Susan Harling-Robinson, passed away from diabetic complications after the birth of her child. The play is categorized as a comedy-drama about the bond between a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana.

Characters include Ouiser Boudreaux, Annelle Dupuy Desoto, Clairee Belcher, Truvy Jones, M’Lynn Eatenton and Shelby Eatenton Latcherie.

Readings will be held from the script. Therefore, no preparation will be necessary.

“The production will be presented in the style of a 1940’s radio show, with the actresses performing their parts into radio microphones with script in hand so there will be no lines to remember,” said Frazier. “A Foley artist will be executing the sound effects live on stage. Scene changes will be radio-style commercials.”

The audience will be able to watch the interaction of the actresses when they are not performing their parts, as they will remain on stage throughout the entire production, he added.

Frazier said anyone interested in trying out for a role can show up at the theater on either day of auditions.

Production dates have been set for June 6, 7, 13 and 14.