OTA sets cast for ‘Steel Magnolias’

Published 1:08 pm Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave., brings a diverse cast to its stage for its production of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias.”

The play focuses on a group of gossipy Southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor where conversation is alternately hilarious and touching and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the characters’ banter.

In her first speaking role, Jennifer Horton plays Truvy and she gets to “do hair,” which she truly loves while Darlene Clemens, a Port Angeles teacher and ballroom dancer, plays Ouiser. Lauren Denton, a mother of two and new to the Sequim area, performs as Shelby.

Returning players for the theater include Angela Poynter-Lemaster as M’Lynn, Lily Carignan as Annelle, and director Olivia Shea as Clairee.

The play runs April 3-19 with a preview night on April 2 and pay what you will night on April 9. Reserved seating tickets for all regular performances are now on sale through the OTA box office, open 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or by phone at 683-7326 or online at olympictheatrearts.org.

‘Lark Eden’ auditions coming soon

In place of the previously scheduled play “The Birthday Party” by Harold Pinter, Olympic Theatre Arts will show “Lark Eden” by Natalie Symons from May 8-17 in its Gathering Hall.

“Lark Eden” chronicles the friendship of three Southern women over a period of 75 years from the beginning of the Great Depression era and through the early years of the 21st century.

The cast calls for three women ages 35-65. Thelma is a prudent Christian woman who yearns to be a good mother; Mary is wise-mouthed and spirited yet quietly wounded; and Emily is desperately searching for something to believe in.

The play will be a staged as a “reader’s theatre” production

Auditions will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the theater, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

Audition forms are available in advance online at olympictheatrearts.org and for more information call the theater at 683-7326 or the play’s director Charlotte Carroll at 907-723-7000.