‘Steel Magnolias’ Set to Bloom at Belmont Abbey College — Abbey Players, Belmont Community Theatre Bring Small-Town Story to Stage in November

BELMONT, NC —- What does an eccentric, grumpy old woman, a caring mother, a stunning – yet stubborn daughter, a town gossip, a beauty shop owner, and a devoutly religious wallflower all have in common?

They are just a few of the outrageous characters in STEEL MAGNOLIAS (by Robert Harling), a touching, modern-day story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives are seasoned with happiness and tragedy.

The Abbey Players and Belmont Community Theatre will bring STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the Abbey stage November 10-12 and 17-19, 2005 at 8:00 PM in the Haid Theatre at Belmont Abbey College. Tickets are $10. For more information, contact the Abbey Box Office at 704.825.6787 or ticket discounts at APBCT@aol.com.

Centered on a group of gossipy southern women in a small-town beauty parlor, STEEL MAGNOLIAS proves to be both hilarious and heartfelt, revealing the antic banter of its characters with a sense of strength, courage and purposefulness. Revived this past season on Broadway to critical acclaim, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is probably best known for its motion picture debut starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Shirley MacLaine.

The Abbey’s stage production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS is under the direction of the theatre director, Simon Donoghue.

The Abbey Players have been in continuous production since 1884, a proven asset to the cultural life of Gaston County and the greater-Charlotte area for more than 100 years. "The Players" have called the Haid Theatre on the campus of Belmont Abbey College home since 1979. Highly acclaimed theatre director, Simon Donoghue, is celebrating his 29th year with the Abbey Players.

Ranked one of the best comprehensive colleges in the Southeast by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Belmont Abbey College celebrates excellence and virtue steeped in its 129-year Catholic Benedictine heritage. The liberal arts College is home to students from over 34 states and 26 countries and welcomes everyone from any background or tradition committed to this vision of excellence and virtue. The campus consists of the College, the Monastery and the Abbey Basilica, which can be found on its sprawling 650 acres of picturesque landscape.

Just minutes from Charlotte, NC, the nation’s second largest banking center, Belmont Abbey College offers students numerous internship opportunities and career placement.

The College believes in development of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. By offering a wide array of clubs and activities including Division II athletics, theatre, publications, and study abroad, Belmont Abbey College invests in the personal growth of its students.

Founded in 1876, the College celebrates its heritage and is inspired by the Benedictine monastic tradition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the College and Abbey Basilica greet thousands of visitors each year.

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