Whether you’ve seen the play or watched the movie, Steel Magnolias has become synonymous with the bonds that can exist between women and how humor and love can overcome the most difficult circumstances.

Humor and love have been essential in overcoming the myriad of difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19 and are now helping the local theater community get back on their feet.

Until Sunday, December 5, the Queensville Players, in collaboration with Theater Aurora, are exploring these themes by bringing Robert Harling’s iconic play to life on their Henderson Drive stage.

The play, directed by Theater Aurora mainstay Neill Kernohan, is a one-of-a-kind collaboration for the local theater company and hits just the right note for theater-goers who are now finding their way back to their favorite haunt. in the audience. .

“A lot of people coming out of the pandemic have said, ‘Let’s do shows that people know, that are warm and feel good that people want to come to,” “Kernohan said. “They wanted to stay away from shows that aren’t necessarily comedy but are kinda funny. It’s that kind of show.

During the pandemic, Kernohan says theater companies in central Ontario have started to look to the future. It soon became evident, he says, that companies with theaters of their own, like Theater Aurora, were better positioned for a post-COVID recovery than those that need to find production space in production.

The Queensville Players are a group that falls into the latter category, often staging productions at the Stephen Leacock Theater in Georgina.

“The Queensville players were not allowed to return to the building [for their production of Steel Magnolias], and since I was the person running the show, I said, “Come to our theater! We’re in a kind of partnership now, which I hope will continue, and I’m kind of excited about that.

This excitement is shared by assistant director Thanasaki Chionidis.

“There is also such a great chemistry between all of our actors and us, being the production crew,” said Mr. Chionidis. “It’s one of those shows where you have some really good leads and it also helps the story unfold. It’s also about people relying on each other in good times and bad and I think people really need them right now, especially as we come out of the pandemic. ”

From Theater Aurora’s perspective, any way they can bring new people – including new bands – to their local theater is cause for celebration. Mr. Kernohan says theater companies can be “very insular” at times, and this collaboration has opened new doors – for them and for Queensville.

“For the Queensville Players in particular, this is going to bring more traction, especially in Queensville where not many people know about the theater company and it will help us grow our company as we move forward,” said Mr. Chionidis. “Partnering and working with other theater companies to get our name out there is more important than ever to us. We’re so far north, the furthest north of York Region, and it gives us the opportunity to show others that we’re here, we’re ready to work with you, and I think that’s just what we have with Theater Aurora.

“The story is really very beautiful and I’m really glad we chose this one. They are going to enjoy it. We have some amazing cast members who have dedicated their time and effort to this show. You’re going to see some really fun comedy parts. There is a lot of fun comedy in it, but it also has some seriousness and this is where you know you’re relying on your friends in these tough times. I think it’s a show that aims to bring people together.

“And southern accents!” Mr. Kernohan said with a small laugh.

“And southern accents,” agrees his creative partner. “This story will certainly resonate with many people who lost loved ones during the pandemic and needed the strength of their friends and family. My experience working with Neill and the rest of the cast and crew has been amazing. It has been an amazing journey to see the actors grow and to see the story unfold. People will definitely enjoy it. ”

To get tickets for other shows, visit theatreaurora.com.