The Guild offers unique production of 'Steel Magnolias' in Des Plaines

The Guild, a new professional theater company based in Des Plaines, is bringing back a unique production of "Steel Magnolias."

In association with the Des Plaines Historical Society, the company has converted the historic Fisher-Wright House on Center Street into "Truvy's House of Beauty," complete with period salon chairs, manicure station and hair dryer.

The audience (maximum 23 per performance) is seated in the living room, within just a few feet of the actors.

"It has become popular in the last few years to present plays in so-called 'found spaces,'" says director Daniel Scott of Des Plaines. "Shows have been staged in bars, laundromats, bowling alleys, restaurants, wherever the action of the play takes place. It's fun for both the audience and the actors to be so 'up close and personal'."

"'Steel Magnolias' was so well received in June that we decided to bring it back", Scott added.

"Even if they had seen other productions, many people told us that experiencing Steel Magnolias in this setting made it seem like a different play, even though the script is essentially the same."

The cast includes Northwest suburban residents Gloria Fields of Mount Prospect, Jocelyn Mills of Carol Stream, Sharon Roseri of Inverness and Stephanie Wooten-Austin of Rolling Meadows.

"Steel Magnolias" runs through Nov. 15 at the Fisher-Wright house, 815 Center St. in Des Plaines. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $18; $15 for students and seniors. To make reservations, call (847) 391-5399.