The well respected and much loved Duiske Players Drama Group are currently in rehearsals for this year’s production of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias”, which takes place on Thursday-Saturday, September 5th-7th under the capable direction of group stalwart Peter Prendergast. Last year Peter directed the groups box office hit production of the much loved comedy “Drinking Habits” by Tom Smith and previously Frank Vickery’s ‘A Kiss on The Bottom’ and he also directed of ‘Lovers At Versailles’ by Bernard Farrell in 2017. As well as his directorial CV, Peter has appeared in many of the plays over the years including , ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’, ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’, ‘Sive’, ‘Not Now Darling’, ‘The Field’ and our 2019 production of ‘Sharon’s Grave’.
Set in a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, the play is set around the lives and friendships of six Southern women who gather regularly at the salon to gossip, share stories, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. The main characters include Truvy Jones, the outspoken and kind-hearted owner of the salon; Annelle, a shy and insecure newcomer to town who becomes Truvy’s assistant; Shelby a young and spirited bride-to-be with diabetes; M’Lynn, Shelby’s protective yet loving mother; Clairee, a wealthy widow with a sharp wit and a generous spirit; and Ouiser , a grumpy yet lovable curmudgeon. Through their witty banter and unwavering support for one another, they navigate the joys and sorrows of life, showcasing the strength and delicate beauty that lies within them, akin to the enduring nature of steel wrapped in the softness of magnolia blossoms.
The magnolias themselves are played by Rebecca Murphy, Brid Moloney, Edel Bolger, Stas Bolger, Caroline Cotter and Lily Brennan.
Speaking last week at the launch of the performance schedule director Peter Prendergast commented ‘ This has been a wonderful play to work on, and it really encapsulates all that is good about an ensemble in theatre-the well written text and the delicate and humorous storylines have given myself and the cast much to get our teeth into, and I am sure that the results of our labours will be enjoyed by all.’ . Group Chairperson, Lily Brennan added ‘we are confident that all those who attend leave the hall feeling uplifted and heartily entertained by this play. She continued ‘An amount of work has gone into this play with the director, cast and crew working tirelessly in pursuit of perfection and we look forward to hearing the audiences reaction to our efforts’.
The group boasts great talent in terms of stage management and set design and again this year Eamonn Doherty, Liz O’ Neill and Maria Espinosa are in charge of creating the set, set dressing and stage management. Feekie O’ Brien will look after the lights and Adrian Kavanagh will operate the soundscape. Mary Meaney will be looking after continuity and Bonnie Prendergast, Nancy Moloney, Marian Kielthy, Liz Whelan & Edward Hayden will lead the front of house along with other members and friends of the Duiske Players Drama Group. The group would like to thank local hairdressing royalty Georgina Foley (Hair by Georgina) and Evelyn Farrell (Ryanhair) for all their support and encouragement and for helping Truvy and Annelle turn into hairdressers!
