Sparks Fly During Onstage Sparring Matches at the Oswego Players

OSWEGO – The Oswego Players’ August production of “Steel Magnolias”, features two fantastic characters who engage in verbal sparring matches throughout the play creating lighter moments to an emotionally intense production.

“Steel Magnolias” written by Robert Harling and directed by Kevin Colvin, is set in a small Louisiana parish in the 1980s and will be performed August 14^th – 16^th and 21^st – 23^rd at the Frances Marion Brown Theater near Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY.

Clairee played by Tammy Thompson, is a witty, wealthy widow of the town’s former mayor who is known for her love of high school football and her ongoing sparring with Ouiser. Ouiser, played by Rhonda Revette, is the town’s lovable curmudgeon presenting a gruff, perpetually irritated exterior which hides a soft, fiercely protective heart for her friends.

Thompson has performed in numerous productions with the Oswego Players over the last decade. When asked why she auditioned for the part of Clairee, Thompson said “I rarely audition for a specific part – I make myself available for whatever the director wants. I have tremendous respect for Kevin as both an actor and a director – he is someone who knows how to get the best out of people.”

Revette performed with the Players about three decades ago and is thrilled to be back for this production. “This show means so much to me. I’m a part time writer and I just really appreciate the story as honest, genuine and memorable. I first saw this play at its Las Vegas premiere in the nineties, where I was able to meet the playwright. Back in 2017, I travelled around the countryside and made sure I visited Natchitoches, LA where the movie was filmed and soaked up the atmosphere and scenery”.

For both actors, the other cast members enhance their joy. “I’m excited to act with a bunch of people I’ve never acted with before,” said Thompson. “They push me in different ways, but the interaction across the cast is impressive.” “This may be my last time on stage,” said Revette, “so I’m making it a memorable occasion!”

Tickets are now on sale for “Steel Magnolias” at the box office. You can make your reservations online at www.oswegoplayers.org or by calling the box office at 315-343-5138.

“Steel Magnolias” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection (www.dramatists.com).

The Oswego Players acknowledges the generous financial contributions of Chiasson’s Heating and Air Conditioning.