It is just about time for the thespians of Castor Little Theatre (CLT) to take the stage.
For the 2025 edition of its dinner theatre, CLT will be performing Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling and directed by Lynn Cole.
According to Cole, while the production is a departure from the troupe's usual farce, it is still considered a comedy.
According to the website IMDB, Steel Magnolias is about "A young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship, and welcome her into the fold."
"But, it's also got a lot of depth to it as well," said Cole. "The characters have a lot of depth to them."
Cole notes that the dramatic themes of the production are done with undertones of humour which generate lots of laughs.
"It's a rare blend of humour and real human drama," said Cole. "It's a bit of a challenge."
Casting for the production occurred in October 2024, with practices beginning in November.
"We have a cast that has a wide range of experience on the stage," said Cole. "We have a couple that it's their first time ever being on stage, we have other ones that have had a little more experience ... it's been a challenge to bring out the depth of character required for the play."
But having said that, it's coming along beautifully."
Steel Magnolias marks Cole's first time directing for CLT; her other directing experiences in the local area include productions at Brownfield School, Coronation School, and in the Brownfield community.
"I've always enjoyed productions here," said Cole. "I know that in the community of theatre, it's nice to switch things up once in a while. It's good to have different faces, fresh perspectives, and different methods of doing things."
Cole's interest in the arts dates back to childhood; she noted that as a child, she would gather the neighborhood kids and have them do backyard plays.
"It's always been there," said Cole. "Somebody said that the sciences are the 'why' of life, but the arts are the 'how' of life. Creativity is necessary."
Steel Magnolias will run dinner performances Feb. 21, 22, 28, and March 1, with brunch shows Feb. 23 and March 2.
Unlike previous years, general admission will be available for all performances.
Tickets are available by calling Rob Nichols at 403-741-2069 or visiting castorlittletheatre.com.
