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Paper Bag Players hit the stage on weekend

Perform 'Steel Magnolias'
play

Paper Bag Players presented Steel Magnolias with a pair of showings.

Under the direction Leanne Keys the play took to the stage at the Sacred Heart High School Theatre Friday and Saturday evenings, with a cast that included, in order of appearance; Annelle – Ashley Lazurko, Truvey – Sandra Stokes, Clairee – Tamara Hall, Shelby – Jamie Cordin, M’Lynn – Christine Bradley, Ouiser – Teresa Weber.

A synopsis of the play from the program noted; “the action is set in Truvey’s beauty salon in Cinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her new eager assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvey dispenses shampoos, and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy”. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their morality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength – and love – which gives the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvellously amiable company in good times and bad.”

The twin performances were also a fundraiser for Lynn Nightingale.

On March 1, Nightingale suffered a debilitating stroke and was air lifted to Saskatoon for care. She continues her recovery in Saskatoon Hospital.

The program called her “our personal ‘Steel Magnolia’”, also noting she “continues to grow stronger each day as she recovers and works on her intensive therapy.”

Nightingale is the assistant manager of Rickie’s clothing store, President of the Paper Bag Players Theater and fiancée to Aaron Nagy.

A silent auction, TV raffle and Canteen, as well as the 50/50 draw were held with profits going to Lynn and Aaron.