Published since 1915 by the students of Xavier University

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“Steel Magnolias” steals your heart

Emily Hoferer
Arts & Entertainment Editor

There has never been a stronger cast for a main stage production than this cast of Robert Harding’s “Steel Magnolias.” This play, which is more famous for its movie version, centers around the lives of six Louisiana women. They meet on Saturdays in Turvy’s (senior April Sauline) salon to get their hair done and catch up on small town gossip.

Each of the play’s four scenes focuses on an important Saturday in the lives of the mother-daughter team of Shelby (senior Maggie Meyer) and M’Lynn (junior Katie Brennan). Shelby suffers from Type 1 diabetes, a source of constant worry for her mother. Shelby’s greatest wish is to have a baby, which her doctor and mother strongly advise against. When Shelby becomes desperate, the drama between her and her mother plays out in the salon.

Thrown into the mix is born-again Christian Annelle, fabulously played by junior Hannah Balash. Her story is one of great transformation. Clairee, played by senior Lisa DeRoberts, is a widow who loves sports more than any other man. Lastly, there is Ouiser (pronounced Weezer) played by senior Michael Roberts. He gender-bends perfectly to fit the role of a no-nonsense woman who loves her dog and hates M’Lynn’s husband. While their personalities may clash, this play is about the true spirit of friendship and laughter.

There are so many one-liners it’s hard to keep up with at times. Almost every word out of Ouiser’s mouth is either terribly sarcastic or hilariously true. Roberts did a fabulous job of playing a woman who is truly one of a kind. The casting choice was a brave decision on his part, as well as that of director Cheryl Couch.

Every character in this play was cast perfectly. It was such a joy to see actors such as DeRoberts and Sauline in roles so suited for them in their final main stage production as seniors. Brennan was also wonderful. She played M’Lynn with such raw emotion that it brought tears to my eyes. I’ve never cried during a show at Xavier, so she has truly accomplished something.

This play has a smart script that cleverly shows the passage of time for all of these women, who still remain smart and funny. “Steel Magnolias” also has some embedded social commentary which is significant for our time as well.

Another thing I love so much about the script, which was different from the movie, was that the men in the women’s lives are mentioned and discussed, but never seen.

The seventh character of this production was the set. I felt like I was actually in a beauty salon. There were so many colorful and quirky details. The costumes, especially the wigs, were great too. My only complaint about this production was minor and relatively technical. Their southern accents seemed a little forced and would fade in and out.

I feel that for the Xavier Players, especially the graduating seniors who have been involved in so much during their time at Xavier, this was the best note to end on.

“Steel Magnolias” is showing at 7:30 March 6-9 in the GSC Theatre.

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PRojectU at XU

Michelle Rosemarin
Staff Writer

This year, Xavier University is participating in PRoject U, a statewide intercollegiate competition that encourages colleges to create anti-tobacco campaigns on their campuses. The competition is sponsored by “DEBUNKIFY” in conjunction with stand, an organization committed to ending tobacco use among Ohio’s youth.

For its campaign, Xavier’s PRoject U (XUPRU) has chosen to focus on tobacco companies’ use of tobacco modeling. These companies commonly rely on the influence that family members and friends have on tobacco users. They realize that those who spend time with tobacco users are more likely to use tobacco themselves.

XUPRU’s campaign “The Perfect Model” is designed to raise awareness about tobacco modeling and to encourage more positive modeling behavior. “We decided to focus on tobacco modeling because we found out through our research that this issue affected Xavier’s tobacco use the most,” said Amanda Gregory, Xavier’s account supervisor for PRoject U. “Most people pick up smoking because their friends use tobacco. We’re trying to encourage positive modeling behavior and making your own decisions regarding tobacco.”

For their first event, XUPRU held a mascot competition on Jan. 31 to find a positive role model against tobacco use. The participants — Ray O’Brien, Ryan Nemeth, Thaddeus Winker and Tom Mason — competed in a tobacco quiz, talent show and costume design contest.

As the winner, senior Ray O’Brien will be at all XUPRU’s events this semester. O’Brien is involved in several other campus organizations, such as the Student Senate, Xavier Players, Intramural sports and Alternative Breaks. “We chose him because he’s a good role model. He’s fun and energetic, and he’ll be good at representing our brand,” said Gregory.

The next event is a Night of DEBUNKery at Dana Gardens on March 13. Though not encouraging excessive drinking, XUPRU is planning this event to try to encourage people to be tobacco-free in an environment often targeted by tobacco companies. XUPRU is also helping to sponsor this year’s Relay for Life on April 18 and 19.

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 Briefs

Catherine Stahl 
Diversions Editor

Late night movie

The GSC Late Night Movie for March is “P.S. I Love You.” Showtime is at 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 in the GSC Theater. The movie is free to all XU students with All Card.

No Talent show

Come join the Black Student Association’s Social Committee as they host the “No Talent Show” at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 7 in Kelley Auditorium. Get with a group of up to three people or prepare a solo act to see if you can win this year’s title. Anyone is allowed to enter, however you must sign up in the Office of Multicultural Affairs before March 7. Great prizes will go to first and second place winners.