Steel Magnolias Next—In 3 Towns!—for Machias Arts Council Theatre

Machias Arts Council Theatre (Machias ACT) is proud to announce the upcoming stage production of Steel Magnolias, the beloved Southern dramedy by Robert Harling. This heartwarming and humorous play will run March 28 through April 13, opening at University of Maine Machias’ Performing Arts Center, followed by Eastport Arts Center, and closing at Milbridge Theatre.

Set in a small town Louisiana beauty salon, Steel Magnolias follows a close-knit group of Southern women as they navigate love, loss, and everything in between. With its iconic blend of lighthearted humor and deeply emotional moments, Steel Magnolias resonates with audiences, reminding us of the power of community and the bonds that hold us together in times of happiness and of adversity.

Machias ACT is a local non-profit theatre company dedicated to providing high-quality live theatre performances to the residents of Washington County and beyond.

PERFORMANCES:

U-MAINE AT MACHIAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

116 O'Brien Avenue, Machias

Fri, March 28 at 7pm

Sat, March 29 at 3pm

Sun, March 30 at 3pm

EASTPORT ARTS CENTER

36 Washington St, Eastport

Fri, April 4 at 7pm

Sat, April 5 at 3pm

Sun, April 6 at 3pm

MILBRIDGE THEATRE

26 Main St, Milbridge

Fri, April 11 at 7pm

Sat, April 12 at 3pm

Sun, April 13 at 3pm

TICKETS:

Tickets can be purchased for $20 at machiasartscouncil.org/theatre and may also be available at the door before each performance as available.

DIRECTOR:

Daniel Reynolds

THE CAST:

Monica Davis as M'Lynn Eatenton

Davis was president of her drama club in high school and is excited to continue her work with Machias ACT. In 2024 she originated the roles of Morrigan in Wake and Emily Cratchit

in Scroogeport. Monica’s family is originally from Maine, but she spent most of her life in Charleston, South Carolina. Monica recently settled in Millbridge and studies applied psychology at Husson University while managing a lab at Jackson Laboratory. In her free time she loves taking in the open spaces and vibrant seasons of Downeast Maine.

Ava Dray as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie

Dray was born and raised in Machias. She left for a short stint in Daytona, but eventually moved back to pursue organic farming and cooking. Ava started her theatre journey in school and is excited to join the cast of Steel Magnolias, her 3rd production with Machias ACT. In 2024 she originated the roles of the young widow Sarah in Wake and Ebenezer’s sister Lily in Scroogeport.

Cheryl Dykstra as Ouiser Boudreaux

Dancer and actress Dykstra has performed on stage, TV, and film around Europe and the US. She joined the Dance Educators of America Association at 16 and started acting and singing at SUNY Purchase, performing in productions from Anything Goes to Westside Story. In Europe she was Principal Dancer and Instructor with the Winterthur Ballet, and cut a CD with Switzerland’s The Gospel Friends. Returning to New York, she continued to act, teach, and dance ballets from Cinderella to The Nutcracker at the Saratoga City and Union Ballets, Schenectady Civic Theater, and more. Cheryl joined SAG-AFTRA in 2009, working on films such as SALT. She now resides in Machias where she joined the cast of both Wake and Scroogeport with Machias ACT.

Jessica Lewis as Truvy Jones

Lewis grew up in Vermont and moved to Machiasport, Maine 5 years ago. You may recognize her from one of her many jobs around town including Animal Control Officer, Municipal Shellfish Warden, USPS mail delivery, and handylady services. Jessica holds degrees in Environmental Science and Ecological Studies, and has a great passion for helping and caring for animals. She also has an artistic side, exploring many mediums including performance art, which is how she finds herself in the cast of Steel Magnolias. Jessica hopes to remain involved with the art community that exists here in Machias, and perhaps find herself in future Machias ACT performances as well.

Sandra S. Sinford as Clairee Belcher

Sinford is a true Downeaster. She grew up in Roque Bluffs but has lived the past 30 plus years in Machias, where she works and serves on the Board of Selectmen. She was an original member of the Down River Theater Company back in the mid 80’s in Machias, where she performed as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors; Dolly in Best in Whore House in Texas; and Christine in Phantom of the Opera, just to name a few. For the past 26 years her lead role has been playing a mother to her two children, Ava & Evan Dray.

Morgan Swan as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto

Swan grew up in Caribou, ME, where she first found her passion for the theatre. She found herself playing roles in Seussical, the Musical, Noises Off!, Bonnie and Clyde, and several more! Post grad, she left to travel New England and New Brunswick as a part of a 3-year gig with Children's Stage Adventures. She has a calling for the stage as she also holds pageant titles, including Miss Crown of Maine, Miss Crown of America, Ms. Holiday Angel, Ms. Hallowqueen, Ms. Maine USA Ambassador, and Ms. Maine Sweetheart.

Now, Morgan has settled in East Machias, where she teaches kindergarten, referees numerous sports, and volunteers at the Jonesboro Grange. She has enjoyed being a part of the Downeast theatre scene, taking on roles in Dracula: the Musical, Popcorn Falls, Scroogeport, and now Steel Magnolias.