Steel Magnolias, the Washington Little Theater Company's next production, is special, in that it marks the group's 35th Anniversary (19712006.) There will, therefore, be a special schedule of performances to take in the gala/celebration which is planned for Saturday, September 30. The revised schedule now includes an evening performance at 8:00 p.m. on Friday night September 29, a matinee performance at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon followed by the gala, there will be no matinee performance the following Sunday (October 1, 2006).

The next week the usual performances at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, October 6 and 7, followed by a matinee at 3 on Sunday afternoon October 8. Reservations may be made starting Wednesday, September 13, by calling 706-6789582.

Since all the roles are major, according to Director Bolton Lunceford, all the actors can be said to be starring in Steel Magnolias, and are listed in alphabetic order. Meredith Atwood is Annelle, bewildered newcomer to the Chinquapin La, group of friends. Because so many talented actors turned up for auditions, this role will be handled by another actress the second weekend.

Judy Burkman plays Quiser, the acerbic, overage bad child of the group, and Jerry Denard reprises the role of Truvy, the owner of the beauty parlor where the friends gather. Her first, wildly popular, appearance as Truvy was March 1989.

Ginny King plays Clairee, the widow of the town's mayor, who comes to brisk life during the course of the evening. Katy Leverett of Lincolnton (remembered for her staring role in WLTCo's Father of the Bride) is the lovely Shelby whose well-being is of such concern to all. Sarah Peacock is M'Lynn, Shelby's strong tart-tongued, deeply loving mother. Delaney Russell, no stranger to the WLTCo's stage, plays Annelle for the three performances of the second weekend.

"With such a cast and such a play, we can't help having a winner," says Lunceford.