Geneva's Playhouse 38 to stage Steel Magnolias'

It's all about the ladies in this weekend's Playhouse 38 production of "Steel Magnolias."

The all-female cast will allow audiences to step into the world of Truvy's beauty salon, where a group of six women shares a classic story of friendship and trust.

The show opens today and runs through Sunday at Playhouse 38, 524 W. State Street, Geneva.

Director Lisa Pivaronas, a Bartlett resident, has been involved for almost three years with Playhouse 38, the creative outlet for the Geneva Park District. During that time, she said, 10 shows have been performed and she's directed six of them.

"I chose 'Steel Magnolias' to run this weekend because it's Valentine's Day and the story is very much about love, friendship and acceptance," Pivaronas said.

"(It's) the story of six women - two best friends, the owner of the beauty shop and her assistant, and an overprotective mother with her stubborn (about to be married) daughter. Their interactions happen at Truvy's beauty salon, in a small Southern town in Louisiana."

Although the play closely follows the plot of the 1989 film, Pivaronas said there is one big difference.

"The biggest difference in the play is that there are no male characters cast in the show; they are referenced, but not actually shown."

One of the challenges of putting on "Steel Magnolias" is the size of the cast, Pivaronas said.

"With a cast this small, finding the right people to play each character was a challenge, because there is no small part, but I am extremely pleased by what every actor has brought to their characters."

Cast members include Amy Pivaronas, Katie Mitchell, Peggy Condon, Karen Brhel, Renee Rakelle Toups and Lyndsey McCue.

Pivaronas said the cast members are mirroring the story in some ways by developing real-life bonds of friendship.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of doing a show like 'Steel Mags' is that the friendship and deep connection between the women onstage is also happening offstage as we rehearse together."

Asked what she thinks audiences will like best about the show, Pivaronas said, "I think the audience will love the humor in the show and I hope that the message they'll leave with is that love and friendship will help you in whatever challenges you may have in life."

The show is appropriate for all ages, Pivaronas said. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13-15. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Sunset Community Center, 710 Western Ave., Geneva, or by calling (630) 232-4542.

If you go

What: Playhouse 38's production of "Steel Magnolias"

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13-15

Where: Playhouse 38, 524 W. State Street, Geneva

Tickets: $20; available at Sunset Community Center, 710 Western Ave., Geneva, or by calling (630) 232-4542.