Beth Leavel, Jenn Colella, et al. End Run in NC Theatre's STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Closing Tonight, 4/29

Tony Award-winning actress and Raleigh native, Beth Leavel, stars as 'M'Lynn' in North Carolina Theatre's production of Steel Magnolias. The play ends its run tonight, April 29, in A.J. Fletcher Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh.

The cast also features Jenn Colella (Truvy), Diane Findlay (Ouiser), Darrie Lawrence (Clairee), Adria Vitlar (Shelby) and Maddie Taylor (Annelle).

Before her Broadway debut in 42nd Street, Beth attended Broughton High School and is a graduate of Meredith College and UNC Greensboro. Since then Beth received Tony, Drama Desk, NY Outer Critics Circle and LA Drama Critic's Awards for her performance as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone. Other Broadway roles include Florence Greenberg in Baby It's You, where she also received Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic's Circle nominations for her role, Emily in Elf, Donna in Mamma Mia!, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Dorothy Brock in the revival of 42nd Street, Tess in the original company of Crazy For You, Mrs. Bixby in The Civil War, Ellie in Hal Prince's Showboat.

About Steel Magnolias
The quintessential story of family and friendship in a unique Southern sisterhood, Steel Magnolias is a skillfully crafted portrayal of eccentricity, loyalty and love set in a small-town beauty parlor. The title suggests that although they appear delicate as magnolias, the main female characters are tough as steel. This humorously revealing play will take you on an emotional journey filled with laughter and tears. Steel Magnolias was written by playwright Robert Harling and originally staged Off- Broadway in 1987. The successful movie followed in 1989 and was then produced on Broadway in 2005. NC Theatre's production will be directed by Eric Woodall.

"I am jumping up and down about having Beth Leavel back with us ehre at NC Theatre! It was my complete joy to work with her on The Drowsy Chaperone and Elf and I can easily say that she is not only one of the greatest talents, but also one of the greatest ladies in the business. Having an actress of her caliber will no doubt elevate our production of Steel Magnolias to an entirely new level. This is not to be missed," says Casey Hushion, Artistic Director of North Carolina Theatre.

Ticket Information
Single tickets to Steel Magnolias range from $45 to $65. To purchase, call the North Carolina Theatre Box Office at 919-831-6941 x6944. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. For more information on North Carolina Theatre's 2012 Broadway season please visit www.nctheatre.com.

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