Sierra Star, Oakhurst, CA

Yosemite Players to present ‘Steel Magnolias' in August

These six Mountain Area women, comprising the Yosemite Players, will be presenting the play, "Steel Magnolias, on the second and third weekends of August. Shown are: FRONT - Liz Gorski, Aubrie Avina and Mary Lee Gowland. BACK - Pat Lineman, Julie Elrod, and Barbara Eicker. .
    The classic southern comedy, "Steel Magnolias, will be presented by the Yosemite Players in August at the Elks Lodge.
    The five performances will be presented Fridays, August 13 and 20, preceded by a casual dinner; Saturdays, August 14 and 21, preceded by a gourmet dinner; and a matinee on Sunday, August 14, show only.
    The Yosemite Players was seen in the past in "The Odd Couple and "The Supporting Cast, presented locally.
    Most people remember the film version of Steel Magnolias, which starred Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts.

    Unlike the movie, which also had male actors in indoor and outdoor locations, the play takes place in Truvy's Beauty Parlor and reveals the men in their lives through dialogue.
    Liz Gorski is the director. "I love this play because the characters are not caricatures, she says. "They reveal their personal dramas through lively dialogue and slice-of-life situations.
    Each character develops and changes through the events that occur over a two-year period.
    Ms. Gorski founder of Yosemite Players, has been producing, directing and acting in community theatre for more than 20 years. She currently teaches at National University.
    She plays the part of Ouiser who says in the play, "I'm not crazy . I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years.
    Truvy, the flamboyant and outspoken beauty-shop owner is played by Julie Elrod. Mrs. Elrod has appeared in many comedy and musical productions in the Mountain Area. Local residents know her as the owner of the Oakhurst Market.
    Pat Lineman, who plays Truvy's naive new assistant, Annelle, will have her stage debut with this play. She is a non-fiction writer and businesswoman.
    Clairee, society widow of the ex-mayor, is portrayed by Barbara Eicker. Ms. Eicker is an avid golfer who has lived and worked in the Mountain Area for 16 years. She was in several plays at the Spotlight Theater.
    Mary Lee Gowland plays the part of M'Lynn, the supportive, yet conflicted mother. Ms. Gowland is a businesswoman and teaches poetry at Coarsegold School.
    She, Mrs. Elrod and Ms. Gorski were in the Yosemite Players' "The Odd Couple in 1997 and "The Supporting Cast in 1998.
    Aubrie Avina is a 1999 graduate of Yosemite High School where she appeared in several drama productions. She plays the part of Shelby, the pretty young bride with a mind of her own.
    Reservations: 683-2717.

BACK HOME | TOP OF PAGE | SUBSCRIBE
Copyright © 1999, The Sierra Star