From: SonoranDesert Public Relations [mailto:prsonorandesert@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 1:16 PM
Subject: It’s All About The Girls In Red Barn's 'steel Magnolias.'
It’s All About The Girls In Red Barn's 'Steel Magnolias.'
Scott Berg, the director/designer of Steel Magnolias, opening January 11th at Tucson's Red Barn Theatre, is crazy about his "girls."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 2, 2013 - Scott Berg believes in making strong choices and sticking with them. Berg says, “You have to be able to look at the actors coming to audition and in an instant, make a choice. When those choices are final, when you look at your cast and you know they're the ones, it’s the best feeling in the world. I have learned through the years not to second guess myself. Were there women at the auditions who may have been better individual actors or looked a part better? Of course. Were there any there that I could honestly say, were a better choice for any one of the characters? Not a chance. It’s a privilege for me to say 'These are my girls.'”
His “girls”, as he regularly calls the six grown women selected to bring Steel Magnolias to life, come from diverse backgrounds. The following are some thoughts that Scott shared about each one of his “girls”. For a complete bio on each of them visit the Red Barn Theatre Company’s website (http://www.theredbarntheater.com/Steel_Magnolias_Cast.html) and get to know the “girls” a bit better. Not to be outdone, each of the women involved had something to say about their director.
Jeanmarie Simpson as Ouiser Boudreaux: "Jeanmarie knows what she's talking about and has the chops to prove it. She's a caring, gifted and giving individual. When Jeanmarie first auditioned, I knew immediately she would be cast. It was just a matter of which character suited her best. The answer was clear when she read Ouiser. They're both strong women with very strong opinions and aren’t afraid to make those opinions known. They're also both warm, caring and extremely loyal. Although we've known each other for only a few short months, it seems like much longer. The actor side of me can’t wait to work on stage with her. To work with someone with that energy, that much passion is always an incredible experience, for both the actors and the audience."
Jeanmarie responds: “I love working with Scott. He's one of the most self-actualized human beings I've ever met, and a consummate theatre artist.”
About Denise Blum who plays M’Lynn Eatenton Berg writes: "I'm very excited to have Denise in the cast. I worked with her on a feature film. I wasn’t sure she was going to audition until just a few days before they were scheduled. I’m so glad she did. She's a wonderfully talented actress who brings the depth and courage to M’Lynn that is necessary for that character to survive what would be the most horrible thing to endure as a parent."
Denise shares: "Scott's energy and enthusiasm are infectious. He has been very generous with allowing me to develop M'Lynn to my vision while giving me the slightest tweaks to help make my portrayal of the character more effective. I've also had the pleasure of working with Scott both in front of the camera and on stage. In both situations, he has not only given me some excellent acting to bounce off of but made me feel at ease with some fairly difficult material.
About Tonya Shank who plays Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie Berg writes: "One of the sweetest individuals ever. I knew Tonya had played Shelby before and wanted to reprise the role. I knew she was strong enough to handle it, but also knew she was open enough to be directed differently in the same role. Sometimes that isn’t easy to find as a director or do as an actor. I’m challenging her to dig deeper and hopefully find things about Shelby she may not have discovered the last time. She continues to wow me as we go through the process with things she is bringing out in Shelby. It's a pleasure working with her especially when it is time for the daily hug. What a great feeling."
Tonya’s thoughts: “Scott is one of those people you meet and never forget and can't help but love.”
Bobbi Whitson who plays Truvy Jones, Berg talks of her many talents: "What a year Bobbi is having. Lucy Humde in How To Talk Minnesotan (which she will be reprising in April), Vera Charles inMame and now Truvy in Steel Magnolias. Who said there weren’t any good parts for mid…I mean…young…ish women? Bobbi is a great comedic actress who loves to sink her teeth into a larger than life character. Audiences love her and the energy she brings to the stage. Not only is she an accomplished actress, she is pretty handy with a drill and hammer. She was the resident set designer until I came along and elbowed her out of the way. Not true, not true. She is still instrumental in making the sets come to life and she's great at making sure all of the little detail stuff is taken care of. People who don’t know us and listen to us talk think that we are married. I’m constantly telling her to get out of my head."
Whitson muses: "Scott is so clever, creative and very passionate about what he does whether it's acting, directing or designing sets. I value his friendship. He is caring and has a sense of humor that is endless. I hope to be "in his head" for many years to come!"
His thoughts on Marjorie Kaye as Clairee Belcher "Marje is Clairee. The way she carries herself, the way she dresses, her love of sports, her wit and her sarcasm...she is the embodiment of Clairee. Having recently gotten back into acting, she was urged to audition by her best friend, which fortunately, made me the beneficiary of her talent. Competition was strong for the role of Clairee, but as soon as Marje read for her I knew that it was meant to be. There was no doubt that Clairee was standing in front of me."
Marjorie comments: “I so enjoy working with Scott. He makes this experience fun, fun, fun!”
Observations on Sarah Mitchell as Annelle: "Sarah is the baby of the family and an incredibly funny person. Annelle is a very complex character to bring to life, but Sarah is making it look simple. Her love for comedy and zest for life help push Sarah to next level. Her quick wit and maturity level serve her very well for this part. She's also an accomplished visual artist."
Sarah remarks: “Scott is so dedicated. He designs and builds the sets, directs and truly cares about our play being the best it can be.”
Being one of “ the girls “ isn’t limited to just those who are on stage. The stage manager is the glue that holds productions together. Responsible for everything, from making sure the cast is on time to prop placement to locating costumes. It's the stage manager's job to get the show up every weekend of the run. That's why the stage manager is also one of “the girls”. She is as important to the success of the show as any of the girls on stage.
About Barb Tobiasson our Stage Manager: "When I first started working with Red Barn I was told, “unless your part requires you to have a bloody stump, don’t touch Barb’s prop table.” Truer words have never been spoken. She is one of the sweetest ladies and really is very easy to work with…just follow the rules and you'll be fine. So much pressure is lifted when Barb is on the job. It is all the little detail things like presents being wrapped, magazine covers that aren’t modern headlines, how the towels are folded and the types of candy in the candy dish. On top of all that, she makes it look so effortless."
Barb says: Scott is the most talented and generous person I've worked with in the theater or on a personal level in many years. He also makes me laugh."
January 11 - 27, 2013 Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 P.M.
Sundays: 2:00 P.M.
Adults: $13.00
Students, Military, Seniors: $11.00
Frugal Fridays: All Seats $10.00!
Tickets can be purchased at the door or purchased in advance by calling (520) 887-6239
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/12041021/1
Top row (left to right) Scott Berg, Denise Blum, Marjorie Kaye
Middle row (left to right) Barb Tobiasson, Sarah Mitchell, Tonya Shank (top), Bobbi Whitson (bottom), Jeanmarie Simpson
Bottom row - rehearsal photos, 12/12
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