'Steel Magnolias' bloom in theater's first production
Rick Ferraro knew that community theater would be something good for the Huntley-area community.
As recreation supervisor at the Huntley Park District, he was looking for ways to fill the Cosman Cultural Center with family-friendly events that would engage both the audience and the players on stage.
But when he put out the first casting call for the new Huntley Park District Community Theater, he didn't really know what to expect.
Working with Tom George, who's been involved in many theater productions over the years at Huntley High School, he put together an audition for the first production.
At the time, Ferraro and George had a few different plays in mind for the debut performance of the group, but weren't sure what would come of it or if anyone would be interested.
Then the actors auditioned. And Ferraro knew the theater group would indeed be something special for the Huntley community.
Today, the fledgling company will debut its inaugural production, "Steel Magnolias." The curtain will rise on the Huntley Park District Community Theater's production at 7:30 p.m.
"Based on the auditions and the people who came out, we thought this would be the best choice," Ferraro said. "We had just the right actors for this."
The stage version of "Steel Magnolias," written by Robert Harling, was the basis for the popular movie by the same name.
The play takes place in Truvy's beauty salon, and through tears and laughter tells the story of six women and their friendship. You get to learn more about all of the women, while focusing on the character Shelby, who decides to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes.
"The audience can expect to laugh and cry throughout this heartwarming southern tale of six close-knit friends," said Carolyn Bien, who plays Ouiser in the production.
To bring the emotion-filled production to the stage, the actors have been rehearsing since the beginning of April.
They are hoping the whole community will come out to see the Huntley-based production.
Ferraro says it's his hope this will just be the starting point for the park district's community theater.
"I think we'd like to do possibly more, one in the late fall and early spring each year. We'd like to just keep it going," he said.
Bien said this experience is a first for her, but she's already looking forward to more productions from the group.
"I am so excited to be in the Huntley Park District's debut Community Theatre production," Bien said. "We have experienced performers and performers like me who are new to the stage.
"It has been a great learning experience, and I hope to be able to do it again -- perhaps a musical someday. Now that all my daughters are grown up I have time to focus on what I want to do. So I decided to try the experience of theater."
Ferraro says the group is looking for people of all ages to get involved. And they don't just have to be actors.
They're also looking for behind-the-scenes players, such as technicians and set builders.
"Steel Magnolias" debuts at 7:30 p.m. today. It also will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday, and again at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased at the front desk of the REC Center of the Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill St. Huntley, or by calling (847) 669-3180.
If you go
What: "Steel Magnolias," the first production of the Huntley Community Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. today and Friday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cosman Cultural Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley
Tickets: $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors
Info: (847) 669-3180