Ritz Players holding auditions

Published 8:17 am Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Do you have what it takes to play a modern-day southern belle? Then John Cardy and Nancy Idland are looking for you.

Cardy is slated to direct and Idland to produce an upcoming production of the hit off-Broadway play, “Steel Magnolias” this summer at the Ritz Theatre.

Auditions for the comedy-drama, set in a beauty parlor in the Bayou country of Louisiana, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the downtown theater.

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“I will be looking for six women, ages 16 through 75. Those interested in auditioning will be asked to attempt a Louisiana southern accent,” said Cardy. “A prepared monologue is always welcome but not required as we will be doing cold readings from the script.”

A familiarity with the story, which was made into a film in 1989 starring Julia Roberts and Sally Fields, would also be helpful, Cardy said.

“Tentatively, rehearsals are set for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, with our first rehearsal slated for May 30 at 6 p.m. We know people have busy schedules so not every cast member will be required to attend every rehearsal,” the director said.

Rehearsals will break the week of July 4.

The show is slated to open at the beginning of August, but exact dates have not been set, Cardy said.

The play will serve as another fundraiser for the Greenville Area Arts Council to help cover the artistic fees for hit musicals, concerts and other professional productions brought to the Camellia City each year by the GAAC.

For more information, contact John Cardy at 334-662-7394 or Nancy Idland at 334-354-2802.