3 minute read
Director’s Notes
BY LAURA GORDON
Robert Harling wrote Steel Magnolias as a tribute to the courage of his sister, mother and their support system of neighborhood women in Nachitoches, Louisiana, in 1987. The gathering place is the familiar environs of Truvy’s beauty shop and is the perfect setting for a play that celebrates female friendships in all their complicated, quirky glory. The fi lm version of the play came out in 1989 and immediately captured the hearts of millions of moviegoers around the world.
So here we are 35 years later with a story that continues to resonate with people, I believe, because it’s grounded in truth. There’s a wonderful anecdote about the original production in New York; the cast was supposedly shocked by the laughter they received in front of their fi rst audience. They had never thought of the play as a comedy but had rather invested in the reality of the story and the richness of the relationships. The characters are very real and they just so happen to be incredibly funny.
Steel Magnolias is such a brilliant mix of warmth, honesty and wit. I think it’s the perfect play to see right now. Let’s face it: These past two pandemic years have been incredibly challenging, to say the least. As I return to the theatre, I want to see stories of resilience with characters who see each other through the dark times and celebrate the good, who speak with candor, generosity and great humor. I want to feel lifted up. I need to be moved, and I really need to laugh. I feel certain that these ladies will provide you with all of that. If this story is new to you, you’re in for a real treat. For the rest of us, I hope it feels a bit like visiting old friends that you haven’t seen in a while and experiencing some good old Southern hospitality.
PRIVATE WEALTH GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors
SENTINEL PRIVATE WEALTH GROUP is proud to support Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
We look forward to your upcoming productions and applaud you on more than 60 years of theatrical experiences.
As trusted stewards of our clients’ wealth, we view the individuals and families we work with as our close friends, and thus, we care about the causes and organizations they care about.
The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been operating since 1959 and was one of the first regional theatres in the United States. It is Sentinel Private Wealth Group’s honor to sponsor the long-standing tradition of cultural and artistic endeavors in this city.
Our team is comprised of highly experienced, deeply dedicated advisors who have called Cincinnati home most of their lives, so they understand the importance of supporting this city and all that their neighbors strive to accomplish. Similarly, we understand our clients’ need for ongoing support and financial guidance. We are a private wealth management team that works with families, business owners, executives, and physicians using a family office approach. Just as we are passionate about supporting the arts, so too are we dedicated to learning how we can support those who need us.
If you’d like to speak with one of our advisors, please call our office at (513) 936-2367, or visit us at SENTINELPRIVATEWEALTHGROUP.COM to learn more about the many ways in which we can work with you.
We also encourage you to visit CINCYPLAY.COM to purchase tickets to the Playhouse’s upcoming shows and to learn more about all the good they do for Cincinnati.
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• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested
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