STEEL MAGNOLIAS Begins This Week at Pontiac Theatre IV

Pontiac Theatre IV closes its 2014-2015 season with Robert Harling's comedy-drama STEEL MAGNOLIAS, running July 24th through August 1st at the Michigan School for the Arts.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS focuses on the camaraderie of six Southern women who talk, gossip, needle and harangue each other through the best of times- and comfort and repair one another through the worst. The play is alternately hilarious and touching with six female characters that are delicate as magnolias yet as strong as steel.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is directed by Dwaine Estes and showcases talented actresses Jennifer Jolliffe (M'Lynn), Brienne Murphy (Shelby), Jacqueline Salter (Ouiser), Marilyn Smale (Clairee), Camy Sylvestre (Annelle), and Jen Talas (Truvy).

Robert Harling was inspired to write his first play after his sister Susan died of complications from diabetes. STEEL MAGNOLIAS premiered off-Broadway at the WPA Theater in 1987, then quickly transferred to the Lucille Lortel Theater and became an instant sensation, running for three years and spawning a hit movie.

Tickets for the show are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 12. Attendees may also bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Gleaners Community Food Bank to receive a free popcorn from the concession stand. The show is general admission and tickets will be available at the door. The show begins at 8pm.

Pontiac Theatre IV began as a summer venture in 1969 with what was then the Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department (now Community and Human Services) of the City of Pontiac. In 1973, the group decided to become an independent community theater company separate from the Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department. Because the department had provided sponsorship for four years, the group elected to take the name Pontiac Theatre IV. Over the years we have enjoyed the support of local business and industry, the Pontiac schools, and the City of Pontiac, which still provides space for storage and rehearsals. As a community theatre, we welcome the participation of all interested people.