Beaumaris Theatre Inc. acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Beaumaris Theatre stands. We pay our respects to Victoria's First Peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging.
CONTENTS
Click on the headline below to jump through each section of the program.
About Steel magnolias
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
CAST & CREATIVES
ABOUT BEAUMARIS THEATRE
By Robert Harling | Directed by Debbie Keyt
Steel Magnolias is a beautiful, bittersweet human comedy set in America’s Deep South, as six special friends bond together by mutual triumphs and tragedies.
Despite their differences, beautiful and impulsive Shelby, her strong-willed mother, M’Lynn, outgoing beauty parlour owner, Truvy, elegant widow, Clairee, sharp-tongued Ouiser and mousy newcomer Annelle enjoy a friendship that spans the boundaries of age and status.
Sharing each other’s strength and loyalty, these six remarkable women survive the cycles of life, birth, and death to emerge stronger, closer and still laughing.
Setting
Place: Chinquapin, Louisiana in the 1980s
Act 1: scene 1: April, scene 2: December
Act II: scene 1: June, eighteen months later, scene 2: November
Robert Harling- Playwright
Robert Harling lost his sister Susan to complications from type 1 diabetes in 1985. He turned his experience into the iconic stage play Steel Magnolias.
Afraid his two-year-old nephew would never know who his mother was, Harling started writing. “All I wanted to do was have somebody remember her,” he says.
Steel Magnolias features an all-female cast, portraying characters Harling modelled after his mother's friends as he remembered them from his childhood in Louisiana.
"I always thought the women in my community were so witty and clever," he says. "It was like a witty one-upmanship. In a lot of ways, they talked in bumper stickers."
The metaphor of "steel magnolia" is the juxtaposition of strength and fragility that is apt for Southern women. "My mother would always say to handle magnolia blossoms carefully because they bruise so easily. You think of this flower that is so delicate and has to be handled with care, but is actually made of much stronger stuff."
The iconic Steel Magnolias movie launched Harling’s career as a screenwriter and since then he’s written Soapdish and The First Wives Club, among other popular films.
Decades later, Susan’s story continues to be brought to life all over the world. The play’s longevity and universal themes never fail to make audiences laugh and cry.
Adapted from ‘The Heartbreaking Real-Life Story Behind 'Steel Magnolias'’ by Maria Carter for Country Living. Photo by Rush Jagoe.
Serendipity had a lot to do with bringing Steel Magnolias to our stage.
I first directed it here at Beaumaris Theatre in 2006. As a fan of the film, I was desperate to direct it when I learnt it was based on a play. I cherished every moment of our production and we created such treasured memories.
Last year when we called for submissions for our 2024 Season, enthusiastic young director, James McAllister pitched Steel Magnolias to us.
I’ll admit initially I felt rather protective of the story and characters that held such a treasured place in my heart. My concerns were alleviated quickly as James’s fondness for the script, characters and their relationships were obvious and his insightfulness was impressive. We unanimously decided Steel Magnolias would be part of our 2024 Season with James at the helm.
However, fate had different ideas and James was offered a theatrical job in the UK at the end of last year. I jumped at the opportunity to direct Steel Magnolias once again. It was important that I had James’s blessing and he was adamant if he couldn’t direct it, he could think of no one he would rather direct it than me.
So I set to work, but it hardly feels like work when it’s such a pleasurable experience. Not surprisingly, our audition slots filled in record time, after all, it is rare to find six such outstanding and strong female characters in one script.
Our cast is exceptional and their dedication is inspirational. From our first readthrough, they slipped into their characters' skin.
Watching them develop and nurture their relationships on stage and off has been a delight. Trudi, Caitlin, Kate, Claire, Sam and Wendy are remarkable and as witty and intelligent as the characters they portray.
I am sincerely blessed to have Fiona and Rhonda by my side as Co-Stage Managers. They were on the audition panel and have attended rehearsals, sourced props, painted, prompted, made cups of tea and helped with the thousand behind-the-scenes jobs necessary to take our show from page to stage. Their support and loyalty to me personally has been steadfast and their friendship is precious.
Special thanks to Lynda for all her help and prowess with props and for being a lovely, supportive friend.
Pietro is a creative and clever set designer and he’s created a magnificent, minimalist, yet bold and striking set to depict the 80s and make the actors stand out and achieve maximum impact. Ella is a brilliant young designer and her 80s artwork hairstyle murals are awe-inspiring.
Harry’s background as an actor makes her a perfect costume designer. Assisted by Cleo, Harry is helping to bring our characters to life through colours and styles that not only depict the vibrancy of the 80s era but also allow individual personalities to shine.
Adam and George’s sound and lighting design have helped create the mood and atmosphere of Truvy’s beauty salon through music, sound effects and lighting with their technical expertise. Zara is assisting them to learn more about all the diverse aspects of tech and theatrecraft.
We were so fortunate to have Andy Creaton construct our set, with the assistance of Steve, Simon, Fiona and Ella. Thanks to Fred Pezzimenti for his impressive plumbing skills which are delivering running water for our beauty parlour and Sally Fleming for our stylish checkerboard floor.
Our hairdressing consultant Kerryn has been amazing with tips to create authentic hairdos for our cast as well as helping some of them convincingly portray hairdressers on stage. As our vocal coach, Kim Anderson made sure the ladies' Southern accents were just right and she also is our wonderful KPPD DJ.
My fellow Committee members Adam, Camilla, Dan, Deb, Fi, Georgy, Harrison, Jen, Kristina and Lynda are the best. Our collective vision to produce theatre of the highest standard and always remain a welcoming, friendly theatre is a joy and their support and friendship means so much.
My family have always encouraged and indulged my theatrical passion and I thank Jeremy, Josh, Imogen, Janika, Kyle, Chase, Cooper, Ava and Justin for their unconditional love and inspiration.
Robert Harling sums the staying power of Steel Magnolias up beautifully, “It’s stood the test of time because friendship doesn’t grow old. Support doesn’t grow old. Love does not grow old”.
Debbie Keyt, Director
CAST
In order of appearance
Truvy Jones - Trudi Sheppard
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto - Caitlin Leong
Clairee Belcher - Kate Harvey
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie - Claire Abagia
M’Lynn Eatenton - Samantha Stone
Ouiser Boudreaux - Wendy McRae
KPPD DJ - Kim Anderson
CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
Director - Debbie Keyt
Co- Stage Manager - Fiona Williams
Co-Stage Manager - Rhonda Vaughan
Props - Lynda French, Fiona Williams and Rhonda Vaughan
Lighting Designer - George Kapaklis
Lighting Design Mentor - Emma Brown
Sound Designer - Adam Solomon
Lighting & Sound Operators - Adam Solomon, George Kapaklis and Zara Solomon
Set Designer - Pietro Giordano
Set Mural Designer & Artist - Ella Creaton
Costume Designer - Harry Brammall
Costume Assistant - Cleo Noble
Set Construction - Andy Creaton, Steve Morris, Simon Williams, Fiona Williams and Rhonda Vaughan
Checkerboard Floor - Sally Fleming and Fiona Williams
Dialogue Coach - Kim Anderson
Hairdressing Consultant - Kerryn Ewart
Hair Styles - Trudi Sheppard
Plumbing - Fred Pezzimenti
Marketing - Kristina Doucouliagos
Photography - Pietro Giordano, Tim Tselepis and Natasha Rayner
Videographer - Tim Tselepis
Flier Concept - James McAllister
Flier Designer - Ella Creaton
Program - Kristina Doucouliagos
Front of House Coordinator - Fiona Williams
Front of House Manager - Adam Solomon
Box Office - Beaumaris Theatre Committee Members
Front of House Staff - Beaumaris Theatre Members and Friends
Acknowledgements
We gratefully thank and acknowledge the following for their assistance which made this production of Steel Magnolias possible: James McAllister; KIIKO Hair Studio; Pam Joynson from Lush Locks Hair & Beauty; Tracey Mitchell; Raymond Simms; Emma Brown; Jenni Osburn and Justine Garnes.
Debbie Keyt- Director
Steel Magnolias 2024 marks Deb’s 25th production as director. Her previous directorial credits are: Return to the Forbidden Planet; Smiley- the Musical; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Steel Magnolias; Charlotte’s Web; Anne of Green Gables; Peter Pan; The Sound of Music; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Happy Days- A New Musical; 13-the Musical; The Little Mermaid JR; Grease; The Jewel by the Sea; A Chorus Line; Cinderella- the Pantomime; Chicago; Buddy- the Buddy Holly Story; Anne & Gilbert- the Musical; Jack & the Beanstalk- a Panto, Beaumarisical and Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto-Revue.
Deb first auditioned for Beaumaris Theatre in 1996 and has played numerous fun roles treading the boards here and with other companies. She founded D.K Productions in 2001, sharing her theatrical passion with upcoming performers of all ages.
Deb was awarded Life Membership of Beaumaris Theatre in 2009 and in 2021 was honoured to be awarded the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria’s esteemed Edith Harrhy Award for outstanding service to musical theatre.
She recently celebrated 20 years on the Beaumaris Theatre Committee and is the current President of her beloved Beaumaris Theatre.
Deb adores being Nan Nan to her gorgeous grandchildren Chase, Cooper and baby Ava.
Trudi Sheppard - Truvy Jones
Trudi is thrilled to be returning to Chinquapin Parish after 18 years, being lucky enough to have been in the original Beaumaris Theatre production of Steel Magnolias in 2006. It's a show that always held a special place in her heart. Playing Shelby at the time, she is utterly delighted to now take on the role of Truvy, a character she adores.
Most recently Trudi was seen as Jackie Jones in Cul de Sac (Encore Theatre Company) for which she was a Lyrebird Award winner. Prior to that, she was Virginia in It’s Only A Play (Mordialloc Theatre Company) and Alice in The Vicar of Dibley (Beaumaris Theatre and The 1812 Theatre).
Other favourite roles include Sybil in Fawlty Towers and Annabella/Margaret/Pamela in the chaotically wonderful The 39 Steps (Beaumaris Theatre). Other shows include musicals with MLOC, Whitehorse, CLOC and Fab Nobs in shows such as Kiss Me Kate, Bye Bye Birdie, Gigi and The Wedding Singer.
Enjoy your visit to this gorgeous town and meeting its wonderfully strong ladies.
Caitlin Leong - Annelle Dupuy-Desoto
After a hiatus from the theatre, Caity returns triumphantly with her portrayal of Annelle in Steel Magnolias, her second production with Beaumaris Theatre.
With an unwavering passion for the stage, Caity revels in the opportunity to embody diverse characters and captivate audiences.
She has showcased her versatility in her performances like Young Henrietta in Pillow Talk (Beaumaris Theatre) to Cherry in Cosi (Frankston Theatre Group). Not confined to plays alone, Caity has taken on roles in musicals like Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Mornington Players) and Catherine in Pippin (EMC).
Throughout her theatrical journey, Caity has cherished the camaraderie and collaboration of her fellow actors and crew members, expressing gratitude for their talent, beauty, strength, humour and kindness. With heartfelt appreciation, she extends thanks to all involved in crafting an unforgettable show. Caity invites you to join them for an evening of warmth, laughter, and heartfelt moments.
Kate Harvey - Clairee Belcher
After playing the understudy to the lead in Cinderella in her school production in 1984, life led Kate away from acting. Fast forward to 2022, when she decided to have a ‘year of fun’, and the acting bug bit her hard.
In her professional career, Kate has been a keynote speaker and trainer, and in her acting career, Kate splits her time between TV and media advertising, podcasting, voiceovers, and training videos, as well as live theatre.
Her roles include Harriet in Nobody’s Perfect (Malvern Theatre Company), Judy in Four Flat Whites in Italy (Mordialloc Theatre Company) and most recently the Russian spy, Helen Kroger in Pack of Lies (Frankston Theatre Group).
Kate is thrilled to be a part of the stunningly talented cast and crew of Steel Magnolias, a play that celebrates the strength and compassion of women, and life in all its beauty and sorrow.
Claire Abagia - Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie
This is Claire’s first production at Beaumaris, but she has appeared in many shows with theatre companies across Melbourne.
Claire recently appeared in the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company’s production of Barefoot in the Park as Corie Bratter, for which she was nominated for a Lyrebird Award for Best Performer in a Lead Female Role - Comedy.
Other notable roles include Kyra in Skylight (Malvern Theatre Company), Pip in Things I Know to be True (Mordialloc Theatre Company), Emily Webb in Our Town (Malvern Theatre Company) and Mrs Appleyard in Picnic at Hanging Rock (Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company).
In 2023, Claire made her directorial debut for Mordialloc Theatre Company with The Effect by Lucy Prebble. Her production won five Victorian Drama League Awards and was nominated for a further three awards, including Best Director (Drama) and Best Production (Drama).
Sam Stone - M’Lynn Eatenton
Samantha has been working in education for the past 21 years as a Drama and English teacher. She has directed many school productions including The Love of Three Oranges by Hillary De Piano, The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow and The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
Performing on stage since she was ‘knee high to a grasshopper’ as Truvy may say, some of her favourite roles have included playing the title role in Medea, Olive in The Odd Couple (female version), Alice Fitzpatrick in Daisy Pulls it Off, Meg Bacon in Secret Bridesmaids Business, Bettina Barnes in Psycho Beach Party and Snug the Joiner in The Popular Mechanicals.
She also co-wrote and performed in Peter Pan and the Pirates; Encore Theatre’s Christmas pantomime this year.
Sam is so delighted to be performing the role of M’Lynn with this wonderful cast and all the fabulous people at Beaumaris Theatre and hopes it will be the first of many shows.
Wendy McRae - Ouiser Boudreaux
Wendy first hit the Australian ‘Boards’ in 1989 in Rough Crossing (Mordialloc Theatre Company). The feel of the light on her face gave her the motivation to audition again, and so the journey into community theatre became a drug; she was addicted!
Wendy has worked with Malvern Theatre Company, Brighton Theatre Company, Peridot Theatre Company, Waverley Theatre, Encore Theatre Company and Beaumaris Theatre acting in comedies, dramas, farces, a pantomime and even a musical - a memorable time with cast and crew at Beaumaris Theatre!
Wendy won VDL Award for Best Actress in a Comedy for Losing Louis (Peridot Theatre Company).
Wendy is extremely delighted to be working again with such a skilful director, Deb, and meeting the new cast and crew. Sit back, get your tissues ready and ...... Enjoy!
Fiona Williams - Co-Stage Manager
Fiona is an excellent stage manager and has worked as a part of numerous backstage crews at Beaumaris Theatre.
From time to time, she has crept out of the shadows and into the spotlight as Frau Schmidt in The Sound Of Music, a party guest in The Great Gatsby, Connie and Anne Welberg in Flowers For Algernon, Johnna in August: Osage County, and a village person in Cinderella- A Panto and Jack in the Beanstalk: a Pantomime, E6 in Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto- Revue.
Steel Magnolias is such a beautiful story about friendship and Fiona hopes you enjoy the show.
Rhonda Vaughan - Co-Stage Manager
Rhonda is thrilled to be involved with this wonderful play as Co-Stage Manager with Fiona Williams.
She has been involved with Beaumaris Theatre since 2003, mostly as Musical Director for shows including Chicago, A Chorus Line, Grease and The Sound of Music, just to name a few.
Rhonda has also worked backstage several times and was Stage Manager for Fawlty Towers, Day of the Triffids and Charlotte’s Web, all at Beaumaris Theatre.
Harry Brammall - Costume Designer
Harry’s love for theatre stems back as far as she can remember.
She trained as a professional actress in London appearing in TV, theatre and film but now prefers to concentrate on costume making and helping with her teenage kid’s school productions.
This is her second Beaumaris Theatre production after costuming The Three Musketeers with Sam Davies. Harry is happy to be on board!
Cleo Noble - Costume Assistant
Cleo has recently completed her VCE studies and is enjoying a gap year before obtaining her Bachelor of Science.
After undertaking nine years of musical theatre classes at Beaumaris Theatre, she is thrilled to assist this fantastic production and explore her interest in fashion and textiles.
Pietro Giordano - Set Designer
Pietro has been involved with Beaumaris Theatre since 2003 when his son was cast in Bugsy Malone and he was asked to design the set.
Pietro is a talented, creative passionate designer and has designed magnificent sets for Puffs, Jack & the Beanstalk - A Panto; Anne & Gilbert the Musical; Snoopy!!!; Chicago; August: Osage County; A Chorus Line; Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; Blackadder; To Kill a Mockingbird; Cosi and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Pietro is also an excellent photographer and has photographed our productions since 2007. Pietro is a gifted artist too and is launching his solo art exhibition titled JOURNEY in June at Gasworks Art Park.
Ella Creaton - Set Mural Design and Artist
Ella began working with Beaumaris Theatre shortly after finishing year 12.
Looking to gain experience with a theatre company to further her interest in set design, Ella has worked on the productions The Vicar of Dibley, Puffs, The Three Musketeers and Little Miss Sunshine and Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto-Revue, creating fabulous sets, puppets and magical props.
Zara Solomon - Lighting Operator
This is Zara’s third show with Beaumaris Theatre. In 2022 she appeared in Jack and The Beanstalk – A Pantomime and was Lighting Operator in 2023 for our Beaumaris Theatre 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto-Revue.
She has performed in Kilbreda College Productions of High School Musical Jnr and Legally Blonde. This year Zara is playing Anna in Kilbreda College’s Production of Frozen Jnr. Zara also has 10 years of dance experience and is also taking weekly singing lessons.
She loves spending time at Beaumaris Theatre so has taken up the opportunity again as Lighting Operator for Steel Magnolias.
Adam Solomon - Sound Designer & Operator
Over the past 30 years, Adam has worked in the Music and Film Industries in Australia and the UK. He is fervent about live sound production and has developed his skills and expertise on the job.
Adam joined the Beaumaris Theatre community in 2019 and has since joined the Beaumaris Theatre Committee. His show credits include Company, Anne & Gilbert - the Musical, Jack and the Beanstalk - A Pantomime, Puffs, The Three Musketeers, Beaumarisical, Little Miss Sunshine, Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Panto-Revue and A Year With Frog & Toad.
Adam’s viewpoint is ‘the more gear you plug in and set up the more fun it is’.
George Kapaklis - Lighting Designer & Lighting & Sound Operator
George’s background is in film. He is very passionate about film, and writes for numerous publications.
George graduated from Swinburne where he specialised in sound design and editing, and has developed skills in those fields, as well as building theoretical interests in sound, comedy, and international cinemas.
He has worked for festivals and distribution companies such as Melbourne International Film Festival and Mindblowing Films, as well as some time at Village Cinemas where he programed titles.
George made his Beaumaris Theatre debut during Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Panto- Revue.
Beaumaris Theatre was founded by Bill and Angela Martin in 1953. Bill and Angela were thespians who built a theatre in the attic of their home. It housed about twenty audience members and had a small stage and dressing room.
Soon the demand for tickets for these productions far exceeded the space available, so the Martins along with other members of the Beaumaris Players, worked very hard to have the theatre space we now know in Wells Road.
For the last 70 years, thespians from all walks of life and various backgrounds have been treading the prestigious boards laid by Bill and Angela. We are delighted to continue their legacy of producing theatre for the Bayside community and beyond.
This year we are delighted to be celebrating 70 years of Beaumaris Theatre and working with the community to produce theatre experiences for all!
BEAUMARIS THEATRE COMMITTEE
President - Debbie Keyt
Vice-President - Dan Bellis
Treasurer - Jenni Osburn
Secretary & Public Officer - Lynda French
Marketing Manager & Membership Secretary - Kristina Doucouliagos
Committee Members - Adam Solomon, Camilla Klesman, Deb Carpenter, Fiona Williams, Georgy Charles and Harrison Ewart-Dart.
BEAUMARIS THEATRE LIFE MEMBERS
Bill Martin; Angela Martin; Roger North; Esme North; Roy Baldwin; Bea Beckwith; Anne Lowe; Jean Freer; Beth Kelsall; John Rees-Osborne; Nancy Sutch-Taylor; Edda Dawson; Barbara Franks; Annie Laurenson; Jenny Mullholland; Stephen Mulholland; Don Strong; Taffy Strong; Michael Coultas; Graham Eddie; Derek Curd; Janine Chugg; Debbie Keyt; Robyn Morris; Steve Morris; Neil Barnett; Rhonda Vaughan; Vince Vaughan; Danny Forward; Jenni Osburn; Trevor Osburn; Kristina Doucouliagos; Fred Pezzimenti and Camilla Klesman.
NEXT AT BEAUMARIS THEATRE
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for continuing to support Beaumaris Theatre.
An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORiGiN TM Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.- A Concord Theatricals Company