It has been a great joy directing Steel Magnolias, not only because of the talented cast and crew, but especially because it represents a re-birth of theatre in our beloved Farmville. Covid took so much away from so many people and forever changed so many lives. Aside from the great loss of life, covid had a devastating impact on Culture as well. I consider myself so fortunate to live in a town that places a great emphasis on the arts. Getting back to theatre in this amazing space and the excitement of the renovations that are taking place says so much
about our community. I returned to Farmville last year after 20 years living in Greenville. If you have lived here your whole life you shouldn’t take for granted the ability to call on your neighbor when you need a hand, the friendly chats at the curb as neighbors walk by, the comfort in knowing that there is always a caring smile on the faces of your fellow farmvillians you pass on the street. It's not that way everywhere, I promise.
Now, back to Steel Magnolias. I think it was fitting for the Drama Committee to choose this show as the first show after the long hiatus. The setting of a small town in Louisiana is in many ways very similar to Farmville, NC. The Story which some of you may not know was based in Fact as the writer wrote the play around the characters and circumstances of his own family. The characters are all based on real people. For those of you who do not know the whole story, I won’t offer any spoilers here. The fact that this is a true story has been heavy on the hearts of the actors as they have prepared. It has added a layer of poignancy that actors don’t get when they portray fictional characters. So sit back and enjoy the first of many Farmville Community Arts Council Productions that the future holds.
Kevin Lee
Setting and Scenes
Place: Chinquapin, Louisiana
ACT ONE: Scene I: April
Scene II: December
ACT TWO: Scene I: June, eighteen months later
Scene II: November
