Ever wanted to try your hand at acting? Ever wanted to be on stage? Have experience in church plays? On February 25th and 26th, you have a chance to audition for the beloved play “Steel Magnolias.”

Many know the story or have seen it on television. They know of Sally Fields’ stellar performance as the ever worrysome mother, M’Lynn; Dolly Parton in all her splendor as Truvy; Julia Roberts in one of her most spectacular break out roles as Shelby; Olympia Dukakis in her majestic portrayal of Clairee; Shirley MacLaine as the rough and sinister Ouiser; and Daryl Hannah as the innocent Annelle. Most remember, have seen, or heard about the movie “Steel Magnolias,” especially the recent remake on Lifetime television with Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, and Alfre Woodard.

But many probably don’t know that the movie was actually based on the 1987 Off-Broadway play with the same title by Robert Harling. The play was inspired by the death of his younger sister. The title “Steel Magnolias” suggests to the audience the group of women from the parish of Natchitoches, Louisiana, are tough as steel and delicate as magnolias.

The only characters that are in the stage version are Truvy Jones (owner of the beauty shop), Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (beauty shop assistant), Clairee Belcher (widow of former mayor, Grande dame), Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (prettiest girl in town), M’Lynn Eatenton (Shelby’s mother, socially prominent career woman), and Ouiser Boudreaux (wealthy curmudgeon, acerbic but loveable).

The playwright includes in his author’s note, “The women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all, real character. They in no way, shape or form are meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures.”

So if you want an exciting and fun opportunity to audition, you can do so on February 25th at the Stokes Cooperative Extension Building in Danbury from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, February 26th at the King Public Library in the Shelton Room from 6 to 8 p.m. Auditions will consist of reading from the script, so no need to prepare a monologue.

Show dates are May 24th, 25th, and 26th at the outdoor amphitheater in King Central Park. This show is under the direction of Justin Bulla. When you come to auditions, please be prepared to put down any conflicts you might have with rehearsal for the month of March, April, and May. Bulla wants to make sure he works around the schedules of everyone as much as possible, but to ensure adequate rehearsal time. If you are not excited about the prospect of auditioning and your services could be used backstage building the set, gathering props, or taking care of costumes, please come to the audition anyway and fill out an interest form.