This is in response to the letter by Rachel Holland regarding the Lewiston Civic Theatre's production of "Steel Magnolias" [April 2]. Judging by the number of people who have seen the show more than once, and the fact that this will probably be the theater's most successful nonmusical production, hers is not the prevailing opinion.
I am responding to two points. The first, that "the auditions were a formality because the roles had already been cast," is false. Four of the women are new to LCT plays and, therefore, unknown to Dr. Hennigan, and incapable of being precast. I presume she attended the auditions in order to make that assessment that "there were other women who had auditioned who would have portrayed the characters much better." The show was cast by a Ph.D. with over 40 years' experience as an actor and director. Whether Ms. Holland agrees with the casting, the show was not precast and it is denigrating to Dr. Hennigan to suggest otherwise.
The second point involves the set. "Steel Magnolias," as with all plays, contains a layout for the set in the script. The set used at the theater is the same as that designed by the playwright. Someone with "several years of theater and design" should know that. She is, of course, entitled to her opinion. I can only say that I am sorry she was not cast in the show - if she did indeed audition - because, judging by her letter, she would have been a pleasure to work with.
Adrienne Stromberg
Lewiston
