Northland Pioneer College (NPC) Performing Arts Department is proud to present Robert Harling’s theatrical classic Steel Magnolias beginning Friday, April 4, 2025, at the college’s Performing Arts Center in Snowflake, Arizona. Additional performances will be held on April 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12.
Set in the 1980s, Steel Magnolias explores the friendship of six Southern women who regularly frequent a small-town Louisiana beauty salon. The story focuses on the women, including Shelby, a young bride with a serious health condition, and her strong-willed mother, M’Lynn. The heartwarming plot unfolds through funny and emotionally charged conversations that reveal their personal struggles, joys, and resilience. Together, the group navigates love, loss, and the complexities of life in a story that celebrates the strength of female friendships and community.
NPC Faculty in Theater Carson Saline, who serves as director and producer of this production, said, “There are so many wonderful shows with strong women characters, but in many, they are often paired with and overshadowed by male counterparts. This show is all about women. The entire cast is women. It’s a chance for women to tell a compelling and humorous narrative while exploring interpersonal relationships.”
The production features six female cast members. According to Saline, “Their vulnerability and creativity in character development has really grown some phenomenal relationships on and off the stage.” He said, “It has been a treat to learn and hear the individual perspectives of these actors as they discuss and discover their relationships and learn the emotional life of each character to play out the living moments we see in the scene.”
The show’s Truvy Jones, a talkative southern belle and owner of the small-town beauty shop is played by LauraLyn Scott of Taylor AZ. Her shy employee, Annelle, is played by Natalie Frie, also of Taylor, with Savana May of Pinetop as an understudy. The sarcastic and somewhat nosy Clairee, a wealthy widow of the former mayor, is played by Jacque Myrann of Linden with Marla Wilkerson of Vernon as the understudy. Shelby, the young bride and prettiest girl in town is played by Charis Johnson of Taylor, who is making her theatrical debut in this production. Bambi Luptak of Show Low is the Shelby understudy. Shelby’s over-protective mother M’Lynn is played by Ashleigh Johnston of Snowflake, with Carly Brewer of Snowflake as an understudy. Rounding out the cast is Diane Roosma of Linden, who plays the role of the miserable yet lovable Ouiser (pronounced Weezer) with Ashley Nudson of Snowflake AZ, as an understudy.
According to Saline, “The entire ensemble is on fire.” Charis Johnson, who is making her stage debut, “is up there holding her own with seasoned veterans,” he said. “I applaud the way she has dived into the challenging role of Shelby and her gusto.” He continued, “I am so humbled that this cast has allowed me to be a part of their journey here. A man directing a show that is all about women…, well, things can sometimes become deep and personal, and I am just grateful that this group of women trusted me to observe, guide, and collaborate; to learn from them.”
“This is a show about showing up for others,” Saline explained. “We hope that we can give our audiences an experience, not merely a passive observation. The relational nature of this show means that the audience is invited to laugh, to cry, to be hurt, and to find solace along with the six characters on the stage.” He continued, “The play may focus on women, but it’s a story to which we can all relate.”
Showings of NPC’s Steel Magnolias will run for two consecutive weeks on April 4, 10, 11, and 12, beginning at 7 p.m. Two additional 2 p.m. matinee performances will be held on Saturday, April 5 and 12. Advance ticket prices are $16 for general adults, $13 for students, and $14 for senior citizens. Get your tickets early by visiting www.npc.edu/tickets. All shows will be held at the Performing Arts Center, 1611 S. Main in Snowflake.
NPC’s production of Steel Magnolias is presented through a special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. Questions can be addressed to NPC Faculty in Theatre and the production’s producer, Carson Saline, at (928) 536-6247 or by email at carson.saline@npc.edu.
