OLRC opens the season with ‘Steel Magnolias’

The Old Lyric Repertory Company opens its 2012 season with Robert Harling’s popular production “Steel Magnolias” at the historic Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan. Opening night is June 14.
           
The OLRC is a professional production company based in the Theatre Arts Department and the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University.
           
“This show is witty and profound,” said Dennis Hassan, artistic director of the OLRC and associate professor in the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University. “It’s the type of production that will have you laughing in your seats and sympathizing with the characters as they walk through life’s pleasant and devastating experiences.”
           
“Steel Magnolias” takes place in Truvy’s Beauty Parlor, where a seemingly frail southern belle can be as delicate as a magnolia and as tough as steel. This show will draw you into the life of each woman as they discuss their past, present, hopes, dreams, families and feelings. The show opens June 14 and will run on selected dates through Aug. 18.
           
“‘Steel Magnolias’ is a lovely piece about women,” said Mitzi Mecham, who plays Clairee Belcher in the show. “It is a comedy with deep meaning and, as an actress, I love the opportunity I have to play Clairee, a very down-to-earth figure who cares deeply for the other women.”
           
This season, the OLRC has assembled a large group of talented female actors, some of whom have worked with the Lyric for more than 30 years, others who are just out of high school, said Hassan.
           
Following the opening, “Steel Magnolias” plays June 15 and 16 with a 7:30 p.m. curtain time. Selected matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.
           
The 2012 OLRC season also features “Private Lives,” Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Greater Tuna” and “Charlotte’s Web.” The shows run on selected dates June through August.
           
Tickets for OLRC productions can be purchased by visiting the Caine College of the Arts Box Office at Utah State University in room 139-B of the Chase Fine Arts Center open 9 a.m.­-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 435-797-8022 or online at the Caine College of the Arts website (arts.usu.edu). Tickets are also available at the Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 W. Center Street, Logan, from noon-4 p.m., Monday through Friday and an hour prior to curtain on show nights. Individual ticket prices range from $18-$25 for adults, $15-$21 for seniors and USU faculty and staff and $12-$18 for USU students and youth.
           
For more information on the OLRC’s 2012 season, visit the OLRC website (arts.usu.edu/lyric).

Seemingly frail southern belles transform and are as tough as steel in the OLRC’s season opener “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. The production opens June 14. (left to right) Tamari Dunbar (rear), Jackie Fullmer and Arika Schockmel.