'A professional-caliber extravaganza'    

Dear LDN:

When looking at Logan County's local online news sources, yours usually stands a cut above the other Internet choice. You are usually the most thorough, with the most coverage of local events.

However, I am sorry to say that you really dropped the ball this time.

Lincoln Community Theatre presented the popular play "Steel Magnolias" from July 11 to 19. This familiar show drew 200-plus crowds nearly every night of production. But it failed to draw a story from our favorite online news source -- LDN!

I was fortunate enough to participate in this glorious show sponsored by LCT. Director Paul Cary is an incredible talent who brought six strangers together and created a family of diverse women on stage. The bond that had formed was obvious to anyone who saw this incredible, heart-wrenching show. Women (and men) were emotionally moved and amused by the interaction of these characters.

I would like to credit those involved in the production, if I may. Sherry Miles of Springfield played Truvy, the beauty shop owner who has her fingers in everybody's hair. Sherry was outstanding as a caring friend to her customers. Erica Smith of Auburn portrayed Shelby, a 20-something independent young woman who struggles to find meaning in her life as she deals with brittle juvenile diabetes. Erica captured this character with such joie de vivre that we often forgot to call her Erica in a real-life setting. She will always be Shelby to me! Kay Mullins of Lincoln played Ouiser, the cranky millionairess with heart. Kay performed, as always, with grace. We loved her cynical look at life. Debbie Poynter of Greenview played Clairee, a recently widowed socialite. Her grace and quick wit gave hope to others who have faced the loss of a spouse and have gone on to live powerful, worthwhile lives. Kelly Dowling portrayed young Annelle, a spirited girl who found Jesus through her tragic young life. Kelly's versatility and gifts came alive on this stage again. I was blessed to play the role of M'Lynn, Shelby's worrisome mother, who would give a kidney to save her daughter. The role was challenging, and made me reassess my relationships with my own children and realize how valuable they are to me. Jim Ash played the voice of KPPD with his usual enthusiasm and humor.

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The production staff included director Paul Cary; production coordinator as well as LCT president Teri Fink; technical director Paula Stone, along with Paula's set-building family: Jim, Danielle, Miranda and Jimmy; stage manager Ashley Giberson; lights and sound manager Sarah Bryant; stage crew Lee Kalka; lighting assistant Adam May; hair stylist and consultant Robin Barton; LCT board liaisons Judy Rader (who also did box office and publicity) and Margo Schwab (who also did hospitality committee); house chairman Marlene Perry; and J.R. Turner, who photographed and produced the programs and bulletin board. These individuals helped to make this simple community theater production a professional-caliber extravaganza.

If you missed this show, you missed a lot.

Patricia Rankin

(posted 7-22-03)