25th Anniversary Reading of Steel Magnolias to Feature Kathy Bates, Elizabeth Perkins, Annie Potts

By Andrew Gans
06 Aug 2012

Annie Potts
Annie Potts
Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

A 25th anniversary reading of Robert Harling's Steel Magnolias will be presented Sept. 9 at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica.

Presented by David Youse, Four Things Productions in association with L.A. Works, the evening will be directed by two-time Tony Award winner Judith Ivey. The cast will feature Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates, Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Elizabeth Perkins and Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Annie Potts along with additional cast members to be announced shortly.

The performance, which will raise awareness and funds for The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, will be followed by a VIP reception.

“Time passes. Things change. But thankfully, not everything. In the twenty-five years since writing Steel Magnolias, events in our world have stunned, shocked and awed us all," said playwright Harling in a statement. "But every time I revisit this simple tale of complex characters trying to make it through life and death with humor and warmth I am reassured. The basic need to reach out, support and uplift others remains constant. These women are my family -- literally and theatrically."

"Revolving around Truvy's Beauty Parlor in a small parish in modern-day Louisiana," Steel Magnolias, according to press notes, "is the story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives come together in a variety of ways. Both humorous and heart-wrenching, all of the action of the play takes place solely on one set — Truvy's beauty salon, which is part of her house. There are only six characters (all female) who appear onstage; a disc jockey's voice is also heard during the play. All the other characters who appear in the film version, such as the males in the ladies' lives, are only referred to in the play's dialogue."

The benefit reading will also feature lighting design by Leigh Allen, sound design by Shannon Slaton, technical direction by David Toledo, props by Kent Rogers and graphic design by Studio 56.

Show time will be 6 PM.

The Broad Stage is located at 1310 11th Street in Santa Monica, CA. For tickets and additional information, visit the website at www.steelmagnolias-25years.org.