Features
Related Photos
-
Photo submitted
Gusto Theatre preps second production
For most women older than 25, life changed when they watched M’Lynn Eatenton, played by Sally Field, standing in the cemetery after burying her daughter, Shelby.
In one of the most heart-wrenching moments in movie history, she turns to her friends in tears and says, “I am fine! I can jog all the way to Texas and back, but my daughter can’t! She never could! Oh God, I am so mad I don’t know what to do. I wanna know why. I wanna know why Shelby’s life is over. I wanna know how that baby will ever know how wonderful his mother was.”
Yes, any woman who is any woman knows lines from “Steel Magnolias” from a mile away. And, as of Thursday, those lines will come to London courtesy of the new Gusto Theatre Company.
Director and Gusto Theatre Manager Doug Salyers is in charge of the show, which is being putting together at warp speed. Rehearsals started Nov. 2, with Heather Dyche (M’Lynn), Katie Ann Burr (Shelby), Judy House (Truvy), Brooke Cole (Annelle), Jayna Alexander (Ouiser) and Pam Owens (Clairee) working hard to put on a first-class production.
“The ladies have really stepped up,” Salyers said. “When I first asked them to do it, I had to explain to them what kind of schedule we work on. We work very fast in this theater. They accepted the challenge. Within a week, the ladies are already off-script for half of the show.”
That show, for people unfamiliar with the plot, features six spirited women from Chinquapin, La., who are, at once, each other’s best friends and, in the case of Ouiser and Clairee, worst enemies. The story centers around M’Lynn’s daughter Shelby, who suffers from diabetes. As Shelby gets married and has a baby, the women are there for her and M’Lynn, who worries constantly for her daughter’s health. When Shelby loses her battle with her disease, the women hold onto one other with characteristic humor, frankness and love.
“I love the line in the show when Truvy says, ‘laughter through tears in my favorite emotion,’” Salyers said. “I think that holds true for the entire show.”
For more information, call Gusto Theatre Company at 864-8786.
Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.
- Features
-
-
Local father’s home updated
Fugate Drive was lined with cars, the roadway in front of the Blankenship home was lined with cameras, and a group of Butch Blankenship’s family and friends hid behind his house last week in anticipation of unveiling a surprise remodel of his home.
-
A bun-tastic visit
It can be said with all sincerity: When hotdogger Brian Mallioux, 22, pulled into London Saturday afternoon, he made quite the entrance. Of course, anyone arriving on a 27-foot long hot dog on wheels would, but Mallioux’s cheerful disposition and propensity to hand out wiener whistles also helped.
-
Despite bad weather, horse show a success
Hundreds of spectators watched as champion horses raised their hooves Saturday at the Optimist Horse Show. The show, hosted at the Laurel-London Optimist Sports Center, featured 214 entries in its 10th year.
-
London man celebrates 100 years of living
Poised on a picture stand in Coy Hibbard’s living room is a letter from The White House, signed by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
-
Mission: Possible crew volunteers in London
Coming all the way from Virginia and Missouri, two crews arrived in London July 11 to do good work on behalf of Mission: Possible, a non-denominational mission organization.
-
‘On the Road’s’ Austin and Santino make a stop in London
As they combined their fashion expertise with the wide selection of costumes and accessories at London’s The Costume Shop, television stars Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice “ooohed” and “aaahed” at the wealth of materials available for a very special design.
-
C.A.R.S. raises money for local charities
Rows of Camaros, classic cars and souped-up motorcycles lined the front area of South Laurel High School and Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park Saturday during a show to raise money for local charities.
-
Dudes & Dolls
Members of the Corbin Dudes & Dolls Square Dancing Club circled, twirled and entertained the residents at Village Heights Friday — all because they enjoy giving something back to their community.
-
Meet Col. Sanders
Henry Dowell has portrayed many roles in his acting career. Now he’s adding one more to his repertoire.
-
Oldies & Goodies: Annual reunion draws a large crowd
More than 200 people attended the Oldies & Goodies Heritage Reunion last weekend at the American Legion.
- More Features Headlines
-
