Linden House Theatre stages Steel Magnolias

Opening November 22 and continuing until December 1

Southern women are famously feminine, but according to playwright Robert Harling, there is steel beneath the surface.

His acclaimed play Steel Magnolias is certainly funny, as six lifelong friends come together to enjoy the absurdities of life. Life is not always funny, of course, but even as tragedy strikes, these friends find a way to smile.

Maybe because it is based on a true story, Steel Magnolias– though it was written nearly 50 years ago – is still one of the most authentic and best loved tales of friendship on the stage today.

Angela Boychuk, formerly an actor with Shaw and Stratford, for many years the drama teacher at Elmwood School, and one-time resident of Manor Park, will be directing this year’s show. Six of Ottawa’s best known community actors will be acting in the piece, and it feels appropriate that they are all good friends in real life.

They include three actors well known to Linden House audiences – Venetia Lawless, Lindsay Laviolette and Jenny Sheffield. We are also welcoming Linda Webster back after last year’s debut with the company. Jane Morris will be joining us for the first time. All of these are well known to audiences at the Ottawa Little Theatres and on other stages.

A lot has changed in the 16 years since Linden House Theatre produced its first annual show at Elmwood Theatre in Rockcliffe. Buying tickets, for example, used to involve a phone call to the producer or a visit to Books on Beechwood. While those options still work, now it’s just as easy to go online at lindenhousetheatre.ca and press the button that says “Tickets.”

Technology has not been the only change. Since 2007, Linden House has been steadily building an audience for its annual show. Lots of people say they look forward to it as part of their autumn entertainment. It certainly suggests that the company is realizing the original vision – “Theatre for the joy of it!”

With most of our shows selling out last year, we have added an extra matinee to the schedule in 2024, and performances will be offered November 22 to 23, and 29 to 30 at 7.30 pm, with matinees on November 24 and 30 and on December 1 at 2 pm. The venue is Elmwood School, 261 Buena Vista Rd. in Rockcliffe, and free parking is available.

Tickets ($30) are now on sale at lindenhousetheatre.ca, at Books on Beechwood, or at 613-842-4913.

This article was written by Janet Uren.