Steel Magnolias is ‘smashing success’

It was one standing ovation after another at the Acadia Players “Steel Magnolias” performance Saturday night at Gueydan Civic Center. In the first part of the play, the audience was doubled over with laughter. The second part of the play was a tear-jerker, and the audience walked out dabbing their eyes with tissues.

The play, sponsored by the Gueydan Museum & Cultural Arts Society, was a re-enactment of a true story. It was made into a movie, and is now produced in stage plays.

This play was produced by Jimmy Broussard, and directed by Shawn Comeaux. Co-director was Elaine Wright. Stage manager was Kathy Clement, set design Russ Faulconer, Steve Fontenot and cast members.

Lights were by Jimmy Broussard; sound, Russ Faulconer; back stage, Morgan Booty and Sam Ronkartz; program, Jane Faulconer and Nancye Duhon, and costumes, the cast.

The cast included “Truvy,” the owner of a hair salon, Ruthie Piron; “Truby’s Understudy,” Tina Reaux; “Annelle,” Ashley Monceaux; “Annelle’s Understudy,” Ashleigh Chiasson; “M’Lynn,” Judy Guillot; “M’Lynn’s Understudy,” Jean Guidry; “Ouiser,” Machelle Booty; Co-Director, Elaine Wright; “Clairee,” Carolyn Greene Patrick; and “Shelby,” Laura Childress.

In keeping with the story, the meal, followed the cocktail hour, conformed to the North Louisiana food -- Natchitoches Meat Pies. Green Beans, Salad, Iced Tea, and cake. An armadillo cake, baked by Kay Johnson and auctioned by the Gueydan Museum.

Items for the silent auction were donated by the following: Carole Drost, oil painting; Lois Manceaux, oil painting; Theresa dePerrodil Trahan, oil painting; Bella Boutique, Fleur de Lis Plate and stand; Beth Miller, LSU Fleur de Lis Afghan; Edwin Miller, Framed LSU Championship Game Poster; Kay Zaunbrecher Johnson, Armadillo Red Velvet Cake; Carolyn Sirmon, Quilted Wall Hanging; Museum, Case of 48 Natichoches Meat Pies; anonymous, Wine Zip Kit, Wine Chiller; cage with candle, and vacuum bottle and cooler.