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• The box office accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.
• Single tickets become available for purchase 60 days before a production’s opening night.
Any ticket exchanges must be done through the box office in person or over the phone. Tickets may only be exchanged for another performance of the same show.
Please contact the box office to see if an exchange for a different date can be made. On rare occasions, LCT has allowed a ticket for one production to be used at a different production. If no exchanges can be made, the ticket price may be written off as a donation tax credit.
The use of cameras and/or recording equipment is strictly prohibited in the theatre. If you need to answer a call, please do so in the lobby so as to not disrupt the performance.
Flowers may be left in the box office for the stage manager to deliver or you may hand them to the cast member once they are in the lobby at the conclusion of the performance. Audience members are not allowed backstage.
If you have concerns about the weather facing an upcoming performance, please call the box office to double check that the performance will still continue. On rare occasions, LCT has canceled performances due to bad weather or cast conditions. If this occurs, exchanges or refunds will be issued.
Every individual, no matter the age, must have a ticket in order to attend the performance. If you would like to bring your children, please purchase seats for them even if they will be seated on someone’s lap.
Reservations for the general public begin at least 60 days before the opening of each show; season ticket reservations open the week prior. Patron donors may reserve their seats at any time. Please call the box office at 608-784-9292 if you have any questions.
Late arrivals will be seated at the house manager’s discretion during an appropriate point in the performance. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the show begins, we reserve the right to release your seat(s) to someone else.
Hearing Loops allow people who wear hearing aids to directly receive the sound from the theatre’s sound system in their own hearing aids, much like Wi-Fi for laptops. If you wear hearing instruments, and they have a wireless receiver called a T-coil or Telecoil built-in, you will benefit from the hearing loop in our theatre. The T-coil program is accessed by pushing a button on your hearing aid. This T-coil setting has to be activated before use. Please consult your audiologist to ensure your t-coils are properly adjusted.
If you do not have a T-coil equipped hearing instrument, please feel free to stop by the box office to pick up a hearing assist device.
UFAH enhances the cultural life of the area by encouraging and providing opportunities for businesses to invest in the programs of local Arts and Humanities organizations in an efficient and effective way.
Welcome to La Crosse Community Theatre and thank you for joining us for Steel Magnolias.
At its heart, Steel Magnolias is a story about resilience, community, and the transformative power of human connection. It centers on a group of women who find strength in one another through laughter, grief, and everything in between. Within the walls of a small-town beauty salon, they create a space where vulnerability is met with compassion, and difference is met with acceptance.
That vision resonates deeply with our mission at LCT—to be a safe, diverse, and inclusive space where everyone belongs.
Theatre has always been more than just entertainment; it’s a mirror to the human experience and a gathering place for empathy. We are proud to produce stories that reflect the complexity of our world and the beauty of our community. Whether onstage, backstage, or in our audience, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all, where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Thank you for being part of our story tonight. We hope this production reminds you of the strength we find when we come together—and the joy that can be found even in life’s most difficult moments.
Enjoy the show. A Note from our Executive Director
ERIK VOSE Executive Director
I was born and raised in New Orleans, but every summer, I spent time with my aunt in a small Louisiana town, not unlike the one where my mom and her sisters grew up— Leesville, Louisiana, a town 5,000 people, where everyone knew everyone. The women in Steel Magnolias are the women I grew up around—sharp-witted, strong-willed, resilient, warm, full of emotion, unfiltered, and fiercely loving.
Steel Magnolias was written by Robert Harling in just 10 days as a tribute to his sister, Susan, whose battle with diabetes deeply affected their family. The play premiered OffBroadway in 1987, and its raw, heartfelt storytelling quickly resonated with audiences. Just two years later, in 1989, the film adaptation was released, cementing the story’s place in pop culture with an all-star cast and countless iconic moments.
The writing is effortless in its humor and heart, and its impact is undeniable. The film became an instant classic, filled with moments and lines that have lived on for decades; however, beneath the laughter is an unshakable truth—grief, friendship, and resilience woven together with love.
I love the title of this show and how it perfectly captures its essence: the duality of strength and softness—resilient and tough as steel, yet delicate and magnificiant as a magnolia.
These women lean on each other, not just in moments of joy but in the deepest sorrows. Truvy’s salon isn’t just a beauty shop; it’s where these women come to be themselves, to share their triumphs and heartbreaks, to hold each other up.
Directing this play is my way of honoring the women who raised me, the ones I know, and the Southern spirit I grew up in. It’s a love letter to those who find strength in friendship, who hold each other through life’s hardest moments, and who always manage to laugh along the way.
A special shoutout to my Dad for his guest appearance as the DJ—having him heard in the show makes this experience even more special.
Enjoy the show!
Alex Attardo, Director
OUISER BOUDREAUX ........................................................................................ TRACIE BANNING
ANNELLE DUPUY-DESOTO ELLIE PARISH*
M’LYNN EATENTON ....................................................................................... CATHRYN YUSHTA*
SHELBY EATENTON-LATCHERIE .......................................................................... SHEA GRANDE
TRUVY JONES SHAI BURZYNSKI*
CLAIREE BELCHER .................................................................................................. DIANE FOUST
Understudies never substitute for a listed performer unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
U/S TRUVY JONES HEATHER BATTLES
U/S SHELBY EATENTON-LATCHERIE ....................................................................... HAILEY FRYE
U/S ANNELLE DUPUY-DESOTO RHIANNON BAASCH
U/S M’LYNN EATENTON ............................................................................... MICHELLE WALKER
U/S OUISER BOUDREAUX .................................................................................. JESSICA LEONE*
U/S CLAIREE BELCHER .......................................................................................... NANCY CLIFT*
Director ................................................................................................................................ ALEX ATTARDO
Stage Manager................................................................................................................... WILL HANDRICK
Costume Designer ........................................................................................................... THERESA SMERUD
Lighting Designer .......................................................................................................... RYAN MORSTATTER
Scenic Designer .............................................................................................................. AUGUST JENNINGS
Props Designer MACK MIKSHOWSKY
Sound Designer SRINI CHANDANA
Technical Director LEX VIOLETTE
Carpenters/Painters ........................................................................................ CHEY CLARK, JIM NELSON, STEVE LIBERA, GREG MEEUWSEN, SHERRY TUMA
Dressers ....................................................................................... UNDERSTUDIES OF STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Run Crew .........................................................................................SOPHIE MARTINE, ASHLEY WALDEN, NAN HEERENS-KNUDSON, ANTIGONE LEONE
Props Crew CLAIRE DEJONG
Costume Shop Volunteers CHARLOTTE GRANT, SHARON MARKEE, SUZANNE YOUNG, CHRISTINE PAPKE, NANCY MAHLUM, JULIE KEITEL, CAROL SOLYST, PAT CHILSEN, TRINA SCHLIFER, KELLY FARROW, BEVERLEE CLEARMAN, CLARA KAMMUELLER, RUTH DRISCOLL, CHERYL VIETH, JANE KRUGER, CLARA KAMMUELLER, ANN MARIE JACOBSON
* = LCT Debut
Executive Director ERIK VOSE
Artistic Operations Director.......................................................................................................
MARY CATE WESLING
Artistic Advancement Director ALEX ATTARDO
Director of Education.......................................................................................................... KATELYN KLIEVE
Technical Director .................................................................................................................... LEX VIOLETTE
Costume Shop Supervisor
THERESA SMERUD
Marketing Manager | Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor ............................................... JESSICA RIGDON
Weber Center Operations Manager | LCT Audio/Visual Manager ................................ RYAN VAN BERKUM
Finance Manager MELANIE NIMMO
Front of House ...................................
SHARON SINGER-DAWIDOWSKI; DAWN HAVICAN; BETH MORATTO;
Scene Shop Staff ...................................... MACKINLEY BRUEMMER; AUGUST JENNINGS; JAMES MURPHY
Youth Apprentice AK KENDHAMMER
President JAY LOKKEN
First Vice-President................................................................................................................................. NEAL MEIER
Second Vice President........................................................................................................................... JOE HAMMES
Treasurer
MARY ISAACS
Secretary MARY RATHGABER
Past President ..............................................................................................................................................PAT HEIM
Members at Large .......................................... BRADLEY WEBER; RICHARD REYNERTSON; STEPHEN CONRAD; KELLY GALVÁN; MARLENE DE LA CRUZ-GUZMAN; CAROLYN COLLEEN BOSTRACK; MONICA ORGAN; RANDY NELSON; MARK SOLYST; DICK RECORD
HR Representatives ......................................................................................STEPHEN CONRAD AND PAT HEIM
Chair of the Board - KATIE FRIES
ALEX LUECK
ANNA TAYLOR
ARLA CLEMONS
BILL PRITCHARD
BRADY LOWE
GREGORY PARMETER
JOAN TEMPLE
JOHN LYCHE
JON LAMB
KAREN FRIES
KENNA CHRISTIANS
KRISTIN FREEDLUND
MARY ANN GSCHWIND
MATTHEW CURTIS
MEGAN PENCE
NATE MOHLMAN
PETER BOSGRAAF
RICHARD WALTERS
SHANNON KUMMEROW
SHAUNDEL WASHINGTON-SPIVEY
STACIE SCHMIDT
SUSAN DURTSCHE
THOMAS BEHRENBECK
VENDI
Nikki Lynette
Musician, playwright & mental health activist
Short film screening and talkback
Friday March 28, 5:30 p.m.
Movie Theatre
UWL Student Union
Free & open to the public
Scott Gellatly
Artist, author, educator and color theorist
Working with oils workshop
Wednesday April 2, 4:30 p.m.
Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts
Free & open to the public
La
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RHIANNON BAASCH (Annelle Understudy)
Rhiannon is so grateful for the opportunity to work on this production! Her previous productions at LCT include A Doll’s House Part 2 (Emmy) and Oliver (Milkmaid/Ensemble) as well as music direction for Deer Camp. Rhiannon currently works as a general music teacher at Summit Elementary and Coulee Montessori.
TRACIE BANNING (Ouiser Boudreaux) Tracie is so excited to return to the LCT stage for the first time since 1995! She was most recently on the La Crosse area stages at the Pump House in Grey Area’s Small Mouth Sounds (Joan) and at UWL, where she finally finished her Bachelor’s degree in theatre and Arts Administration in 2023, appearing in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Muriel), A Christmas Carol (Christmas Present), Murder on the Orient Express (Princess Dragomirov), and Edward Tulane (Pelegrina). Tracie now works at the University for the Educational Studies Department. Her adult kids, Charu and Dutch are a constant source of inspiration and love. She’d like to welcome you all to set a spell and enjoy the show! Thank you for supporting local artists!
HEATHER ANN BATTLES (Truvy Jones
Understudy) South Georgia native, Heather Ann has lived in Wisconsin for 5 years. She was cast at the Cotton Hall Theater in GA, working in Swamp Gravy and Fourth and Long. In Wisconsin, she worked with LCT in Vagina Monlogs and recently was a KitKat girl in Cabaret at The Muse Theater. It is an honor to play as Mrs. Truvy, but as a southern girl, it's an honor just to be here for this special story.
SHAI BURZYNSKI (Truvy Jones) Shai is elated to be a part of community theatre for the first time in 5 years. Relatively new to La Crosse, Shai was a part of the Madison Community Theatre Community in 2019-2020, with one of their most notable roles being OG/Tsauwiat in Strollers Theatre's Men On Boats. When not involved in theatre, Shai can be found planning their next cosplay, international trip, playing video games or working in the non-profit space.
NANCY CLIFT (Clairee understudy) Steel Magnolias is Nancy’s first show at LCT, and she has had a great time working with this wonderful group of women! She moved here from the Twin Cities where she participated in community theater. Favorite roles include Mrs Webb in Our Town, Grandma Tzeitel in Fiddler, and a Pick-a-Little Lady in Music Man. When not at the theater, Nancy works at Gundersen, plays pub trivia, hangs out with her dogs, and spends time with friends.
DIANE FOUST (Clairee Belcher) After music directing many shows (Fiddler on the Roof, Beauty and the Beast), I am jumping to being on the stage instead of under it. As a native of Oxford, Mississippi, I feel some attachment to the women in this story. I have my own group of steel magnolias and dedicate my performance to them. They helped me at a significant time in my life. And love always to Jim, the love of my life.
HAILEY FRYE (Understudy Shelby Eatenton Latcherie) has always been passionate about theater—from high school performances and show choir to dragging her family to Broadway.
She's thrilled to be part of this production, a favorite of both her and her mother. Previously, she starred as Robin in La Crosse Community Theater's rendition of "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man." By day, she's a Project Manager in Government contracting specializing in Data Management. Endless thanks to her friends, the Bluff Ballers and family for their support! @allhailfrye
SHEA GRANDE (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie)
Shea is a current senior at Viterbo University finishing up a BFA in Musical Theatre with minors in Dance and Arts Administration. Her most recent credits at Viterbo include Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Mrs. Taylor/Dance Captain (Bat Boy: The Musical), and Ensemble/Peggy Sawyer U/S (42nd Street). Her performance is dedicated to her very own M’lynn & Truvy all in one, Jody. “This one’s for you, momma!”
JESSICA LEONE (Ouiser Boudreaux
Understudy) Stepping out of the pit and onto the stage for the first time, Jessica is thrilled to be understudying her dream role and spirit animal “Ouiser.” She extends many thanks to an amazing director, cast and crew for their patience, support and wisdom. On the home front, she offers much love and thanks to her daughter Antigone (who inspires her daily to take the risk), husband Mike for his endless loving support, to her sons Niki, Dio and Saije who will do anything for their momma, and to her sister, and own personal “Clairee,” Danielle Minnis.
ELLIE PARISH (Annelle Dupuy-Desoto) Ellie is so excited to be participating in her first show
with LCT. She is a junior music theater major at Viterbo University. She has a strong passion for storytelling and hopes you enjoy this story! Fun fact: this is her 30th show ever! She would like to thank Alex for giving her this opportunity and being an amazing director! She would also like to thank her amazing parents and little brother Ben who support her and love her through all she does. She would also like to thank God for making all of this possible.
MICHELLE WALKER (M'Lynn understudy)
Michelle is happy to be back at the community theatre where she feels at home. This is her first time being an understudy and is happy for the experience. She believes that dabbling in a little bit of every aspect of theatre makes one a more well rounded performer. Michelle was most recently in the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz. Her most favorite roles include Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables and Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense. Outside of the theatre she is a 3k teacher at Sprout Early Learning Center. She thanks her husband Steven and sister Jeannie for their support.
CATHRYN YUSHTA (M’Lynn Eatenton) Cathryn is thrilled to return to performing after a 40 year hiatus. In the interim she raised three amazing daughters, returned to teaching elementary special education, and married her Jerry. She’s excited to return to the stage in her first LCT production! In her free time Cathryn enjoys spending hours on the pontoon, traveling, hiking and doting on her brand new granddaughter. She thanks her Jerry and her girls for filling in all the gaps.
ALEX ATTARDO (Director) is tickled pink to bring this heartfelt, hilarious Southern gem to life on stage. Currently, Alex serves as LCT’s Artistic Advancement Director. They are a proud Theatre Education alum from Viterbo University’s Theatre & Music Theatre Department. Over the past 13 years, Alex has worked as a director, actor, choreographer, intimacy director, stage manager, and designer for LCT and other theatres in the Coulee Region. As Truvy says, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion," and they hope this production brings you plenty of both.
WILL HANDRICK (Stage Manager) Will is excited to join LCT as an intern from Viterbo University! Will is a senior Theatre major with an emphasis in Stage Management and has worked production on numerous Viterbo shows. Credits include Measure for Measure, 42nd Street, and Godspell. In the future, Will hopes to explore other areas such as directing and production management. He'd like to thank his roommates Shea, Kenzie and Reagan for being his ultimate support and family for life.
AUGUST JENNINGS (Set Designer) August is thrilled to show you his first solo set design at LCT! His previous work includes co-set design of The Odd Couple (LCT), set design of Orlando (UW-L), co-set design of Doctor Faustus (UW-L), and props/puppet design of The Wizard of Oz (LCT). He has been the scenic charge artist at LCT for the past two years. When he isn't painting or designing, August is spending time with his family and working on personal art endeavors.
MACK MIKSHOWSKY (Props Designer) Mack is so excited to be back and apart of an LCT production! Steel Magnolias is Mack's fifteenth show at LCT. Previous productions include Oliver! (Props Designer), Fiddler on the Roof (Fly Chief), and Dog Sees God (Fight Choreographer). They have also been a part of the ensembles in The Laramie Project, Church and State, and Come Back. When they are not performing, they are working as a full time Behavioral Therapist for children with ASD. They would like to extend all of the love and thanks to their family, friends, and therapist!
RYAN MORSTATTER (Lighting Designer) Ryan is excited to get to work at LCT on Steel Magnolias as the Lighting Designer! He has most recently worked at LCT as a Lighting Designer on Deer Camp and as a Stage Manager on A Doll's House Part 2. Please enjoy the show!
THERESA SMERUD (Costume Coordinator) has been involved with LCT since she was 10 years old, when she was cast in The Music Man. Over the years, she participated on stage, but then gravitated to working with costumes. Theresa has been LCT’s volunteer photographer, capturing most of the productions for the archives and PR. She is a national award-winning photographer,and her photos have graced the covers of "Dance Studio Life Magazine" and other publications. She is married to Scott and has raised five children, three of whom grew up at LCT and are working in some capacity of the arts. Theresa can’t wait to share LCT with her grandchildren, making it a four-generation love affair.
BRYCE TURGEON (Wig Designer) Bryce is happy to be joining the talented design team of Steel Magnolias as Wig Designer. As a drag queen from New Orleans, he knows a thing or two when it comes to teased roots, hairspray and volume. The higher the hair, the closer to god.
LEX VIOLETTE (Technical Director) Lex serves as the Technical Director at LCT, having joined the team in 2021 after graduating from UWL. She has played a pivotal role in numerous productions, with favorites including directing the staged readings of Church and State and Come Back, as well as her work on Dog Sees God (Patricia/TD) and The Odd Couple (Scenic Designer/TD). Lex thanks the audience for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
At La Crosse Community Theatre, our mission is to honor and celebrate our rich theatrical heritage while establishing a sustainable foundation for the years to come. With collaboration as a cornerstone, we are a dynamic, educational, and visionary force shaping the destiny of our community by adapting to the ever-changing arts landscape and showcasing excellence in local community entertainment.
The Friends of LCT Campaign aims to continually raise operational funds for LCT from large gift givers sustained over five-year long pledges. We thank the following for their pledges:
EXECUTIVE
(Pledged $25,000+)
Scott and Mary Rathgaber
Russel L. and Vera M. Smith Foundation
Keith and Mary Isaacs
(Pledged $12,500 - $24,999)
Pat and Joe Heim
Karl and Julie Noll
(Pledged $5,000 - $11,499)
Tom and Jan Brock
Dr. J Michael and Vicki Hartigan
Scott and Sue Horne
Vicki and Chris Born
Dick Record
Michael and Sharon Markee
Arla Clemons
Randy and Lynn Nelson
Theresa and Scott Smerud
Cheryl Vieth
Laux Family Partners
($1,000-$2,000)
Arla Clemons
In Memory of Thomas F. Brock
J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan
John Mason
Kristin Albrecht Charitable Fund
Mary and Scott Rathgaber
Rhonda Akeson and Duane Lom
Sue Gelatt Foundation
($500-$999)
Brandon & Jen Corcoran
In Memory of Tom Brock
Jackie and Bill Pritchard
Julie Keitel
Kathy Spelker
Ken and Janine Merkitch
Mary Jean Sartz
Pamela and Richard Strauss
Roger and Charlotte Grant
Russ and Katie Wilson
Tom and Heidi Grau
Vantage Architects
($250-$499)
Ann Brice and Bill Haviland
Aurel and Sue Mailath
Bob and Kay Conzemius
Brad & Leslie Weber
Brian and Karen Rude
Carey and Suzanne Falkenberry
Cleary-Kumm Foundation
Dependable Solutions/Joe & Tina Ruskey
In Memory of Tom Brock
Jennifer French
Jim and Jo Glasser
Joan Allen
Joe Hammes and Aaron Wickesberg
Karen Komay, Bryan Jostad, Ruth Kohnert
Kevin and Krista Drewiske
Pat and Dick Spencer
Richard and Judy Williams
Richard Melvin
Robert and Mary Hubbard
Roger and Kenna Christians
($250-$499)Cont.
Ross & Lynn Marie West
Sharon Singer- Dawidowski and John Dawidowski
Vicki & Dan Markussen
($150-$249)
Bruce JA Kerr MD
Cam & Carlene Roberts
Dale and Jacqulyn Pertzborn
Gale Bruessel
In memory of JoAnn Jenkins
Jan Koppelman
Jean Thompson Tom Thompson
Kent and Jan Koppelman
Krister Mattson
Kurt and Julie Schroeder
Leah Reimann
Mark and Carol Solyst
Mike and Mary Bottcher
Rosemary Nelson
Sally Miner
Sandra Proksch-Troope
Tom and Kathryn Ready
Tom and Lori Nigon
($100-$149)
Alma and Pete Kohnert
Alice & Chip Backlund
Andrew & Libby Winga
April Farrell
Barb Burchill
Barb Peplinski
Barbara Heili
Bill and Margaret Andersen
Bill and Maureen Schwartz
Cameron and Carlene Roberts
Cari Burmaster
Cheryl and Steven Loehr
Clara Gelatt
Corine Neuman
Daryl and Nancy Ertl
Dianne Pogreba
Donna and Ken Birnbaum
Douglas and Kay Baumann
Eileen Walsh Doyle
Elsie Patterson
Harvey and Pat Witzenburg
Herb and Barbara Heili
In Memory of Tom Brock
Jane Miller
Jay Lokken and Ken Riley
Jean and Mark Ledman
Jean and Tom Thompson
John and Charlene Hopkins
John Hoehn
Jolene DeMaiffe & Ellen Pedretti Fendt
($100-$149)Cont.
Joyce Wichelt
Judie and Will Wilson
Karen Guptill
Kari & Brian Shaw
Kathleen and Joseph Zietlow
Kathleen Danaher
Kay Baumann
Ken Birnbaum
Lynne & Keith Valiquette
Marcia Knudtson
Margaret Andersen
Margie Mason
Mark and Cari Burmaster
Marla French and Charles Anderson
Mary Colleen Walsh
Maureen & Lou Guillou
Maureen Schwartz
Michael and Cheri Herro
Michael and Rose Hammes Porter
Mike & Lynn Hickey
Nancy Ertl
Ole Ryan
Patrice Vander Wielen
Paul Sampson
Philip and Melissa Gelatt
Richard & Kristine Meunier
Robert and Silvana Richardson
Roger Klousia
Ron & Becky Dehli and kids
Ruth and Marc Williams
Scott and Sue Horne
Sharon and Thomas Ryan
Steve and Karen Lind
Steve and Peg Manson
Susan Custer
Susan Ring
Teagan & Cara Tierney-Morrison
Terry and Loran Zibrowski
The Aleckson Family
Thomas Byerly
Tim and Sue Durtsche
Tom and Kathryn Ready
Tom Pahs
Tony and Patrice Vander Wielen
Wayne and Sandi Oliver
Woodworth family
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Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!