REACH OUT MORONGO BASIN TO HOLD GALA OPENING FOR ST. JOSEPH’S PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF “STEEL MAGNOLIAS”
The well-known and immensely popular “Steel Magnolias” will open as the debut production of The St. Joseph’s Players on Friday, July 5, at 7:00 p.m. This brand new theater group brings community theater to Yucca Valley, which now joins Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Morongo Valley in offering live theater to our residents and visitors. In honor of this event, Reach Out Morongo Basin is sponsoring a special Opening Night Gala celebration. “Steel Magnolias” will play all Friday and Saturday evenings, with two Sunday matinees, through the month of July.
“Steel Magnolias” has played off Broadway, on Broadway, and all over the world, and achieved success as a major motion picture, as well. It was written by Robert Harling, based on his experience with the death of his younger sister, a diabetic. Concerned with a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching—and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters. “Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” – NY Daily News. “…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” – NY Post.
Performing in the play are Analisa Pilecki as M’Lynn, with Rebekah Douglas as her daughter Shelby; Ouiser (pronounced Weezer) is played by Marty Neider, and Annelle by Tara Henkel, while Carol Snyder fills the role of Clairee. Rebecca Havely, also the award-winning director of “Steel Magnolias”, will portray beauty shop owner Truvy Jones.
Reach Out Morongo Basin is sponsoring an Opening Night Gala Celebration that will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, and will include refreshments, desserts, and a silent auction. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go to Reach Out in support of their programs to assist our elderly and disabled. Opening Gala tickets are $25, and are only available through the church and Reach Out Morongo Basin at 760-361-1410. The works of several local artists will be displayed for sale in the lobby throughout the run of the production, with a percentage of proceeds going to the newly formed theatre company towards future productions.
“Steel Magnolias” will be performed all Friday & Saturday evenings in July through July 27 at 7 p.m. There will be Sunday Matinees on July 14 & 21, at 2 p.m. in the Rusack Parish Hall at the St. Joseph of Arimathea Church, 56312 Onaga Trail in Yucca Valley (corner of Onaga Tr. & Church St.). Tickets to the intimate 50 seat theater are $10.00 general admission and $8:00 for Military, Students & Seniors (55+) CASH ONLY PLEASE. Tickets are available at “The Silk Purse” in Twentynine Palms and “Wind Walker” in Joshua Tree, as well as from church and cast members. To reserve tickets, please call 760-365-7133; leave your name and phone number; you will receive a call back to complete your reservation
