New Bern’s beloved RiverTowne Players—with their impressive musical theatre seasons, plays, children’s theatre, and youth actor training—is coming back as strong as ever. Re-emerging from the shadows of 2020, the family-friendly troupe is adding a bonus production to their already remarkable 2021 season: Steel Magnolias.
Ruth Waters, a founding member of the RiverTowne Players, says “We are so excited to once again be back on stage and to bring quality productions to our surrounding communities—especially after being closed for 18 months. During our 20 years of operation, it has been our goal to involve local talent, both children and adult, in wholesome theatre. We hope that our patrons will enjoy our production of Steel Magnolias!”
This theatre chestnut tells the story of six southern women whose lives have been intertwined by their unique and complicated past. Their friendship has been forged by girlish dreams, naïve romance, family drama, unforeseen crisis and bitter loss.
“I deeply know these women,” says director Susie Tilley. “I’ve always loved this play and know just about every word. But still my first step as a director is to read, research, and understand. Steel Magnolias is actually based on a real story, so I read about the facts and the history of the author to understand it better. Overall, this is a story about love and friendship. But it is also about how hard it is to let go of your children. We all want to keep control of our lives and our kids, and letting that go of that is hard. But we must let them lead their own life and make their own choices.”
Susie began her theatre journey as a “theatre mom” and helper when her daughter first began to show an interest in acting and singing. RiverTowne Players provided an opportunity for her talented daughter, as well as a role for Susie who utilized her skills in arts and crafts to make various properties for the productions.
“I do not have a background in theatre, so everything I learned was from just watching, particularly on how other directors work,” says Susie. “The person I learned the most from is Aaron Williams, who is the drama teacher at New Bern High School. The best word to describe him is magical.”
When the time came for Susie to take a leadership role in RiverTowne Players, she eagerly accepted, joining the board of directors and then producing The Sound of Music. “I probably should not have done so much advertising because the show sold out, we didn’t have reserve seating at the time, the A/C broke, and I had to deal with some angry patrons. It was a learning experience. Because of it, I promoted to the board that we should have reserve seating and now things go more smoothly.”
As a director, Susie gives her actors a great deal of freedom in deciding how and when they move on stage in order to tell the story. She lets them explore and play, and the blocking then emerges somewhat naturally. “I can’t necessarily see everything that is going on with entrances and exits, and sometimes the actors know better than I do if there is an easier way to get from point A to point B. So we all just work together.”
Steel Magnolias is a favorite for not only audiences, but for the actors themselves, due to the small cast and the closeness that the actors share in developing their characters:
“I love community theatre because it fulfills my creative and social needs and most of all it brings me absolute joy!” says Jennifer Cook, who plays Ouiser. “One of the most wonderful evenings that we have shared as a cast was having a sleep-over, because it gave us such a lovely bonding time.”
Catherine Edwards, who plays Shelby, says “I love acting because it is an outlet, and a way to express myself. At the same time I learn from other actors around me as they develop their characters. There is nothing better than being on stage and getting a strong response from the audience, regardless of what it is, laughter, shock or tears.”
Lisa Coletrain, who plays M’Lynn, appreciates the community theatres in New Bern “because they are so accessible, especially for people who can’t travel to New York or even Durham. Also, as an actor that does primarily improv, I’ve enjoyed learning from the more experienced scripted actors. It’s been an excellent opportunity for me.”
The youngest cast member, Mackenzie McCracken, who plays Annelle, says “In New Bern, as a young artist, it’s hard to find creative outlets, but theatre is one of areas where art is thriving. There is so much talent. It’s amazing. Being in this case is like inheriting a whole bunch of aunts!”
Michelle Roys remarks on how much she enjoys becoming someone else on stage, and says “I get to be and do things in the theatre that I’ve never done. I also love that community theatre brings together super-talented people—some new people, some experienced people, but all REAL people.”
Lisa Gunn, who is also a board member of RiverTowne Players, has enjoyed being in a straight-play as a change of pace: “I have a musical background, and I love Broadway shows, so I usually am drawn to musical theatre, but I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to be in Steel Magnolias. Community theatre is such a great opportunity to meet people, learn from other thespians, and build lasting friendships. Our group of ladies couldn’t be happier to be sharing our production with our New Bern audience!”
RiverTowne Players Presents:
Steel Magnolias
July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25
Masonic Theatre
514 Hancock St.
Directed by: Susie Tilley
Produced by: Christy Hawkins
Tickets are available online at
www.rivertowneplayers.org or at Nautical Wheelers in downtown New Bern.