Steel Magnolias - meet cast member Brenda Parker



Tell us about your character.
Clairee Belcher is well aged and refined.  Think of a nice bottle of French wine properly paired with a tart soft cheese. Her personality compliments almost every one of her friends. As the former Mayors wife and recent widow, she's trying to find new purpose and passion. Her humor gets her and everyone through many a rough emotions. She truly believes," Laughter is the best medicine."

What were some of the challenges you faced while working on this show?
Well like Annelle, I rely on my faith to get through the tough situations in life. Unlike my character Clairee, I am still happily married to my husband for almost 30 years. My challenge is trying to imagine carrying on with grace and courage in his absence.  Clairee has her "Steel Magnolias moments " daily. She finds reasons to get out of bed, go places and stay active and enrich the lives of her friends and community. All the while never letting a good recipe or reason to bake pass her by.

What do I  hope the audiences take away from this play?
To quote M'Lynn,  " That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." We can weather any storm together. With faith, friends, love and laughter we can all be a STEEL MAGNOLIA.  


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