One of the country’s most popular plays is set to premier at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano: Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias. This charming comedy about the bonds of friendship spawned the popular Oscar-nominated film version and follows the same story. “It’s a delightful play to open our season with. It’s so funny, so well-written, and the best actors wanted to work on the project,” said Melodrama Artistic Director Dan Schultz.
Set in Louisiana in the 1980’s, Steel Magnolias is the tale of six Southern women who gather under the hair dryers of their local salon to gossip, laugh, and share stories and insults. Full of big characters, big hair, and big laughs, the events turn serious when the group shares a tragic loss. You’ll fall in love with these women who are “delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel.” Directed by Robyne Parrish, and featuring Suzy Newman (M’Lynn), Patty Thayer (Clairee), Katie Worley Beck (Annelle), Eleise Moore (Truvy), Bonner Church (Ouiser) and Rebecca Tucker (Shelby), the show is sure to delight audiences from across the Central Coast.
Following each performance of Steel Magnolias is the brand new vaudeville revue, The Queens of Comedy. It’s a hilarious tribute to your favorite comediennes from the last 100 years. Featuring song, dance, and comedy, the Queens of Comedy is a perfect capper to an evening of incredible live theatre. It’s directed by Sarah Wussow and features choreography by Katie Fuchs Wackowski.
These shows play January 24 – March 10. Performances are Thursday and Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 3 and 7 pm, and Sundays at 6 pm. The Melodrama’s in-house snack bar features great food and drinks served before the show and during intermissions. Tickets are $23 to $30, with discounts available for groups, seniors, students, active military, and children. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Melodrama Box Office, at 805-489-2499, or visit www.americanmelodrama.com. The Great American Melodrama is located on Highway 1 in Oceano, just three miles south of Pismo Beach. Come see they’re brand new box office building across from the theatre, you can’t miss it. The Melodrama has been providing professional family entertainment on the Central Coast since 1975.