Maxwell, who will play the role of M'Lynn, joins the previously announced Blythe Danner as Clairee, Annie Potts as Truvy, Margo Martindale (the original Truvy) as Ouiser, Celia Keenan-Bolger as Shelby, Sarah Stiles as Annelle, Kevin O'Rourke as the Disc Jockey and Constance Shulman (the original Annelle), who will read the stage directions.
Tony Award winner Judith Ivey (Hurlyburly, Follies, The Glass Menagerie) will direct the 7 PM benefit reading that will boast music by Bonnie Raitt and Pat Boone. Proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. A Los Angeles anniversary reading was recently presented in September. Ivey and Potts were also involved.
Steel Magnolias premiered at the WPA Theatre in 1987 prior to transferring to the Lucille Lortel Theatre, where it ran for 1,126 performances. The oft-quoted comedy centers around the lives of six Southern women who gather at a local beauty salon.
The 1989 movie adaptation starred Daryl Hannah, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field and Julia Roberts. The 2005 Broadway production featured Tony winner Christine Ebersole, Delta Burke, Marsha Mason, Frances Sternhagen, Lily Rabe and Rebecca Gayheart.
The 25th Anniversary Honorary Committee includes film cast members Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts.
A VIP reception with the cast and crew will follow this special performance. David Youse and Four Things Productions in association with L.A. Works present the 25th anniversary reading.