EAST WEST PLAYERS Brings the Classic "Steel Magnolias" to the Stage, Opening September 11th; Previews Begin September 5th.

East West Players (EWP), the nation's largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work and the longest-running professional theatre of color in the country, opens its 48th Anniversary Season, themed Making Light, with Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling. Steel Magnolias will be
directed by Laurie Woolery.

Steel Magnolias is a classic comedy-drama play that later became a popular film about the bond among a group of Southern women. The action centers on Truvy's beauty parlour and the women who regularly gather there.

"There are plum roles in this play which can be played by actresses of any background," says Tim Dang, Producing Artistic Director of East West Players. "Additionally, a little-known fact to the mainstream is that there are sizable Asian American populations in the South, including Houston, Dallas, Jacksonville, Orlando, Virginia Beach, and throughout the gulf region."

The production stars Hiwa Bourne ("The Pity of Things," "Crimes of the Heart," "Shake") as Truvy, Ruth Coughlin ("A Christmas Carol," "A Midsummer Night's Dream") as Shelby, Karen Huie ("A Little Night Music," "Joy Luck Club") as Ouiser, Dian Kobayashi ("Joy Luck Club," "Equus") as Clairee, Lovelle Liquigan ("A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Language Archive,") as Annelle, and Patti Yasutake (Star Trek: The Next Generation) as M'Lynn.

The design team includes: scenic design by Christopher Scott Murillo, lighting design by Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz, costume design by Sara Ryung Clement, sound design by Cory Carrillo, and props by Yuki Izumihara. Stage manager is Daniel Reano-Koven.

All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Previews are Thursday, September 5th through Saturday September 7th at 8pm and Sunday September 8th at 2pm. All preview seats are $26.

Opening Night for Steel Magnolias is Wednesday, September 11th at 8pm and includes a 7pm pre-performance cocktail reception, and a post-show reception with the cast and creative team (call theater for ticket price and availability). A special "Pay-What-You-Can" Performance is on Thursday,
September 12th. Southern California Edison Community Night is Wednesday, September 18th at 8pm. The production runs until October 6th.

Regular performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.eastwestplayers.org or by calling 213.625.7000. Regular tickets range from $36-$46. Student and Senior discounts available. Dates, prices and details are subject to change.