COTTAGE GROVE – Maya Burton is stepping into a pivotal chapter of her career as executive director at the Opal Center for Arts and Education, all while continuing her leadership at Storybook Theatre of Cottage Grove and directing the highly anticipated play “Steel Magnolias” debuting this weekend in Cottage Grove.
“Steel Magnolias” is a 1987 comedic drama by Robert Harling, inspired by the true story of his sister’s life and death. The play is set entirely in Truvy Jones’s in-home beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, and follows the lives of six women over the course of three years. It is touted as a hilarious and touching play about strong women who draw together to find strength and love in the wake of tragedy.
“‘Steel Magnolias,’ to me, beautifully illustrates how extraordinary the ordinary can be. Friends, big laughs, and a new hairstyle can make all the difference. Even on our worst days,” Burton said. “This show drew me in because the characters Robert Harling created feel so real to me. They’re six smart, resourceful, hilarious, and fiercely kind women,” she said. “I know women just like them, we all do.”
The cast includes Janet Rust, Alana Merz, Kenady Conforth, Laurel Merz, Elizabeth Peterson, and Nikki Pagniano, alongside the production team with Judy Smith as assistant director and Elizabeth Rose as stage manager.
Burton has written five musicals and directed six plays over the last five years at Storybook Theatre, working with students in South Lane County. During the school year, SBT partners with public schools to put on shows starring South Lane County students, and during the summer, they have two summer camps.
“I’m lucky enough to get to work with people who are both 30 years and 30 minutes into being a theater-artist. Either way, I think the goal is always the same: try to stir up empathy within ourselves and our audiences.”
“Steel Magnolias” is on stage March 27-29 and April 3-4 at Opal Center, 513 E. Main St. More info and tickets: opalcentercg.org.
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.
