Saint Sebastian Players Replaces Season Finale With STEEL MAGNOLIAS 4/29

The Saint Sebastian Players originally planned to conclude its 30th Anniversary season with Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig. However, when the rights became unavailable due to a pending Broadway revival, the company selected a play about a different kind of "sisterhood"-Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, which SSP will stage in the round. Performances are April 29-May 22, 2011 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, in Chicago.

In this funny, touching story of friendship and trust, Truvy's homegrown beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, is the place that six very different women share their secrets, fears and love for each other while engaging in juicy, hilarious gossip. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they share each moment in their lives with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair. When tragedy strikes, it is in the familiar comfort of Truvy's salon where they seek the solace and support that carries them through.

SSP's in-the-round production of Steel Magnolias is directed by SSP company member Steven Walanka, whose past SSP directing credits include Tribute, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, one of SSP's highest-attended productions. The cast includes SSP member Jill Chukerman Test, along with Kate O'Connor, Debra Rodkin, Tricia Rogers, Maggie Scrantom and Kaitlyn Whitebread. SSP members on the production team include John Oster as lighting designer, Adam Seidel as stage manager, Kelly Rhyne as assistant director, Julie Johnson as dialect coach and Jonathan Hagloch as producer. Michael Patrick is set designer, and Deborah Snooks is costume designer.

SSP began producing theatre in 1982 at its original home, the St. Sebastian parish, located at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue on Chicago's North Side. When the parish closed, SSP relocated to its current home, St. Bonaventure, at 1625 W. Diversey. During those 30 seasons, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation murder mysteries for special events; and its annual Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members. For a complete history, click here. For a complete list of mainstage productions, click here.

Steel Magnolias runs April 29 through May 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Group rates also are available. All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.

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