Vicky Zickmund as Truvy and Claire Grider as Shelby in Foothills Theatre’s upcoming production of “Steel Magnolias.”
ELKIN — Foothills Theatre will stage a production of “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling this weekend in Dixon Auditorium at Elkin High School. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25. Tickets are $12.
The production is directed by Kim Arnold and Christie Harrison and starring Judy Deck, Lynn Duty, Claire Grider, Kitsey Burns Harrison, Stacey Libbert and Vicky Zickmund.
Directors Arnold and Harrison said they were excited to see this production come to life after a year and half of no theatre due to the pandemic.
“Being back together and hearing the laughter at rehearsals, and even some tears, has been so much fun,” said Arnold.
Set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, “Steel Magnolias” is an intimate reflection of the lives of a small group of women and the challenges they face in life and the strength they find during times of tragedy.
“I love being a part of this story of strong, loving Southern women. In supporting each other, they find their own support to grow and face life on its own terms. This is a wonderful cast and we have had great fun getting ready to entertain you,” said cast member Judy Deck, of Jonesville. Deck plays Clairee Belcher.
Stacey Libbert, of State Road, is playing M’lynn Eatenton. Libbert has performed in multiple shows with Foothills Theatre but said “Steel Magnolias” had always been always been on her “bucket list” to do.
“I am super grateful for the opportunity to work with this brilliant cast of women,” she said.
Claire Grider, who plays Shelby Eatenton, began her career on the Foothills stage playing a little boy in “Oliver!” This is now her eighth season of performing with Elkin’s community theater group.
“I have enjoyed every second with Foothills Theatre and I am so thankful for this opportunity to bring such a beloved story to life,” said Grider.
Lynn Duty, of the Windsor’s Crossroads community is playing Ouiser Boudreaux. Duty is a newcomer to community theater.
“Being a part of ‘Steel Magnolias’ has been a most delightful experience,” she said.
Vicky Zickmund, of Mocksville, plays Truvy Jones and Kitsey Burns Harrison, of Elkin, plays Annelle Dupuy Desoto.
Tickets for this weekend’s performances may be purchased at the door. A season pass is available for $30 which includes a ticket for “Steel Magnolias” as well as “Frozen, Jr” starring an all-youth cast to be performed next month and “A Funny Little Thing Called” to be performed in September. For more information or to purchase tickets online visit foothillsarts.org/foothills-theatre.