Mercy Academy Theatre Program presents ‘Steel Magnolias’

Mercy Academy’s Theatre Program will bring a beloved classic to the stage this month with their production of “Steel Magnolias.” Performances were held at the Mary Mershon Reisert Theater on Mercy’s campus.

Written by Robert Harling after the death of his sister in 1985, “Steel Magnolias” is a tragicomedy that explores the enduring bond among a close-knit group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. Set in the late 1980s inside Truvy’s in-home beauty parlor, the story unfolds as the women gather regularly to share laughter, hardship and unwavering support. The play debuted Off-Broadway in 1987 and was later adapted into the iconic 1989 film starring Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah and Sally Field.

Auditions for Mercy’s production began in August, and rehearsals began in December. Jason Cooper, Performing Arts Director at Mercy Academy, said the show was selected for its strong female roles and its ability to resonate with a wide audience. He noted that the student cast has embraced the challenge of balancing the play’s humor with its deeply emotional moments.

“Life is essentially a tragicomedy so they took to it quite naturally,” he said. “We did a lot of table work to really get into the skin of these characters.” 

Themes of family, community, grief and resilience add layers of nuance to the production, particularly for young actors portraying adult women, some decades older than themselves. Cooper said the cast has exceeded expectations.

“I anticipated that it might be challenging for teenagers to embody these adult women, some well over 50, but they have truly disappeared into their characters,” he said. 

Cooper said he hopes that through this play, cast and crew members not only embrace the experience of performing for an audience, but also take with them theater’s ability to shape identity and embrace the humanity of art. 

“I hope they take away a realization that theatre is meant to mirror our real lives, tell human stories that make us laugh one moment and cry the next, just like life,” he said. “I hope they leave with the desire to go see more live theatre. It is more important than ever in this day of AI-produced entertainment.” 

To learn more about Mercy Academy’s Theatre Program, click here. 

“Steel Magnolias” Cast/Crew: 

-Brooke Coleman - Ousier 

-Madison Hulsewede - M'lynn

-Lauren Nissen - Annelle

-Emma Rolfingsmeier - Shelby

-Lisetta Shepherd - Truvy

-Maura Wilhelmus - Clairee

-Ella Sullivan - Stage Manager

-Katie Falls - Hair and Makeup Designer