When Joy Tilley Perryman not only told me she had been cast in Theatre of Gadsden’s upcoming production of Steel Magnolias, but that it’s a show she’s longed to perform in, I knew I had to chat with her a some of her cast mates for my latest Rapid Fire 20 Q. With the show opening at the historic Ritz Theatre (310 North 27th Street, Gadsden, Alabama) Friday, February 9 and running thru Sunday, February 18, I reached out to Joy, who’s playing Clairee, Cheryl Sington, the show’s Ouiser, Courtney Linam as Truvy and their Shelby, Macy Sauls for the latest installment of my recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire 20Q. So grab a cuppa and settle in as the ladies of Steel Magnolias share a few secrets.
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RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH CAST OF THEATRE OF GADSDEN’S STEEL MAGNOLIAS
RAPID FIRE WITH STEEL MAGNOLIAS’ CLAIREE, JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN
JHPENTERTAINMENT: While this isn’t your first time auditioning for a production of Steel Magnolias, it is your first time to be cast…tell me a little of your Steel Magnolia’s journey.
JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: So, I call myself the Susan Lucci of Steel Magnolias because I have auditioned 9 times for this show and this is the first time I have ever been cast. I auditioned both professionally and at the community theatre level in Nashville for this show. I have loved it since 1986! But for whatever reason I was never cast. I told myself I would just never audition for it again and then it simply wouldn’t matter and would just be a funny story to tell at parties. But when Theatre of Gadsden put the show on the 2024 season, I decided I would give it one more try. And though my heart has always wanted to play Truvy, I am right where I need to be with Clairee. I did not realize how much I needed her!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: What’s your favorite aspect of Clairee as a character?
JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: Clairee is just so much fun! But to me Clairee’s greatest asset is her capacity to love. She loves Shelby and the other ladies just like her own. And man, how she loves her own! Her dedication to her nephew Marshall is so uplifting and affirming. Harling really went out on a limb wither Clairee’s acceptance of Marshall being gay, in 1985 that was not the norm. And I love how Clairee does not suffer a fool. Let’s not forget her words about Nancy Beth’s intelligence!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re a southern girl yourself…is there anyone in your personal life you’ve drawn inspiration from in your portrayal of Clairee?
JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: My Grandmother Tilley! Clairee really is so much like my Grandmother Tilley. So I loved that. Grace McAfee Tilley always looked like she was turned out of a band box. Always put together. She was a terrific cook and lover of animals (Boston Terriers named Jill) and a huge football fan. We sang her out of the church at her memorial service to the Auburn fight song. But more than anything, if you were in her orbit, you felt the fierce love that she radiated. To be loved by her was a blessing indeed!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: In addition to playing Clairee, you’re also doing costumes, wigs and props. With a show so synonymous with the 80s, thanks in part to the all-star feature film adaptation, what’s been the most challenging/fun of gettin that 80s look just right for yourself and your fellow cast mates?
JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: You know I am a child of the 80s so this has been such a fun walk down memory lane. My biggest challenge has been in that I have too many costumes. I could costume all of us twice over. Most of the clothes are from my own stock and that has been fun. When you see the show, see if you can’t spy a little set dressing of Shelby with her fire batons. That is my majorette costume from 1982! The wigs were almost overwhelming but I just picked up my Aquanet and got to teasing.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Clairee has some of the best lines in the show. Do you have a favorite?
JOY TILLEY PERRYMAN: This is so hard to answer! But I think it might be this: “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize”.
RAPID FIRE WITH STEEL MAGNOLIAS’ OUISER, CHERYL SINGTON
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Alright, before we get into Steel Magnolias talk, I understand you were a dancer alongside Michael Jackson in THE Thriller video. How did that come about and what’s something about that shoot that you still think of to this day?
CHERYL SINGTON: I was taking class with Jaime Roger’s and he chose people out of his class to go audition for Michael Peters who was choreographing. We had no idea what we were auditioning for or that it would be what it would be! One of the most memorable things I took from that was watching Michael and Michael throw out choreography with each other and see which steps/combos worked best. It was artistic genius at work right in front of our eyes! Amazing to watch it come to life!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: You’re playing Ouiser. What’s your favorite thing about the character?
CHERYL SINGTON: Her raw honesty
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Not gonna lie, Ouiser is my favorite character, mostly because I too have been in a very bad mood for 40 years. What’s your favorite Ouiser line? CHERYL SINGTON: “Can I help it men find me desirable?”
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Within the context of the play, Ouiser’s frequent verbal sparring partner is Clairee. Having known Joy Tilley Perryman, who’s playing Clairee for quite a while myself, I gotta ask, how is she as a scene partner?
CHERYL SINGTON: Joy is very professional, but most of all, giving on the stage. Many actors you work with are all about themselves. Joy is about the ensemble and making sure she is giving her all to the cast and the show. She is truly a gem and a pleasure to work with!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: What is it about Steel Magnolias that has kept it a sure-fire success all these years?
CHERYL SINGTON: I believe Steel Magnolias has kept its strength through the years because of its “truth”. It is soft but raw and real! There is not a person, man or woman, who cannot connect with the story!
RAPID FIRE WITH STEEL MAGNOLIAS’ TRUVY, COURTNEY LINAM
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Although most folks likely remember Dolly Parton’s portrayal of Truvy from the 1989 film adaptation, the role of Truly in the original off-Broadway production was originated by Margo Martindale. In the subsequent tv series adaptation, Sally Kellerman played Truvy and in the 2012 Lifetime TV film, singer/actress Jill Scott took on the role. Who is Truvy to you, and how are you making her your own?
COURTNEY LINAM: Truvy’s a vivacious and sassy southern woman who runs a home-based beauty salon. She is known for her big heart, quick wit, and nurturing nature. She serves as a confidante and friend to the women who frequent her salon, offering not just hair and beauty services but also emotional support and camaraderie. Truvy’s salon becomes a gathering place where the women share their joys, sorrows, and laughter, forming deep bonds of friendship. Throughout the play, Truvy’s strength and resilience shine through as she navigates life’s challenges with grace and humor.
Truvy has certainly been portrayed by some incredibly talented actors over the years, each bringing their unique interpretation to the role. When I tell people I am going to play Truvy, they usually say, “oh, you’re going to be Dolly!” Rather than focusing on trying to emulate Dolly Parton’s portrayal, I am trying to embrace the qualities and strengths that I can bring to the character. I have made it a point to learn about the background and personality traits of Truvy. What drives her? What are her strengths and weaknesses? How does she relate to the other characters? I’ve tried to connect with the character on an emotional level and let my authenticity shine through in my performance.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Another key element of Truvy’s character is her ability to find good in any situation. A great example of that is her unlikely friendship with Annelle. Who’s playing Annelle and how has she been as a scene partner?
COURTNEY LINAM: Working with Carly Sims has been an absolute pleasure. Despite me joining the cast a bit later, she has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout our scenes together. Her dedication to her role as Annelle shines through, and it’s been inspiring to collaborate with her. She’s been great at listening and reacting, which has really elevated our scenes. Overall, I feel fortunate to have her as my scene partner, and I’m excited to continue working together to bring our characters to life on stage.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Like all the ladies of Steel Magnolias, Truvy has some fantastic lines. What’s your favorite?
COURTNEY LINAM: One of my favorite lines from Truvy in Steel Magnolias is when she says, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” This line captures Truvy’s outlook on life – finding humor and joy even in a time of sadness and tears. It’s a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and it reflects the heartwarming and often humorous tone of the play.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: I was told I should ask you how long you’ve been doing theatre….so…spill it?
COURTNEY LINAM: My theater journey truly began in 2020, but it wasn’t until 2022 that I stepped onto the stage for the first time, in the production of Johnny Cash Ring of Fire: The Musical. We faced postponements—eight, maybe nine times—due to the pandemic. Our perseverance paid off when we clinched the Broadway Regional Award for Best Ensemble. In one show, I gained invaluable years of experience and forged connections that will last a lifetime. I thought it would simply be a checkmark on my bucket list, but I was wrong—I was hooked!
From there, I delved into a whirlwind of productions: Big River, Godspell, Always…Patsy Cline, and Sordid Lives. Even during a supposed break in A Christmas Carol, I found myself enlisted for makeup duty. It was a blast, but let me tell you, it gave me a whole new appreciation for the hard work of the support crew—something I already deeply valued. Five shows in two years—it’s been a wild ride, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. Steel Magnolia‘s will be the sixth production of my theatre career.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Doing a little digging, I kept running across mentions of you alongside $till Broke Band. Who are they and what’s next for you all?
COURTNEY LINAM: Oh, the $till Broke Band! This group has been rocking stages for years, usually with a male lead singer. But when Sid Brown, our drummer and band manager, invited me to join a few years back, something just clicked. We’ve had some unforgettable performances together, though not as many as we’d like. Between my commitments to theatre and life’s twists and turns, we’ve had to take some breaks. I managed to convince Sid to take on the drums for the Patsy Cline band, and we’ve even added a few Patsy tunes to the $till Broke set list. It’s been a blast blending our musical worlds. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. We suffered a devastating loss when our dear friend and incredible guitarist, Greg Tolbert, passed away. Since then, we’ve had some amazing guitarists step in to fill Greg’s shoes, but we’re still on the lookout for a permanent member. If anyone out there’s got the chops and the passion, we’re all ears! Despite the challenges, we’re keeping the music alive. We’ve got some exciting gigs coming up, like a car show in Anniston at Greenway CDJR to benefit wounded warriors and a fundraiser for the Humane Society in March. And hey, if you need some live music for your event, wedding, or just a good ol’ party, you know who to call—the $till Broke Band’s got you covered.
RAPID FIRE WITH STEEL MAGNOLIAS’ SHELBY, MACY SAULS
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Who is Shelby to you?
MACY SAULS: Shelby to me is the epitome of strong will and strength. She will do anything for what she believes in. Her mother, M’Lynn, played by Robin Black, is also very strong willed and they tend to clash until they can reach common ground. Both of these women are pillars of strength and poise, while still upholding the beauty of the relationships around them.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: I’d imagine growing up in Gadsden, and still living there, you can relate to the small-town vibe of Steel Magnolias. What’s the best and worst part of small-town living?
MACY SAULS: The best part of living in a small town is the connections you make go far. When you get to know somebody, you’re automatically linked to hundred of other people in that area that you may or may not already know. The worst part is that because everybody know everybody, your business is community business. It’s hard to get away with things in a small town!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: I understand you studied Biomedical Science at Troy University and are currently doing a bit of post-graduate studies at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. What’s your focus now and what do you hope to do with it?
MACY SAULS: My focus now is in the study of the Anthropology of Peace and Human rights at University of Alabama at Birmingham. I plan on studying health disparities in our local community and becoming a medical anthropologist!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: I’ve asked each of your cast mates what’s their favorite line, so I might as well keep it going…What’s your favorite Shelby line in the show?
MACY SAULS: My favorite line is definitely either “Forget the damn juice!” or “I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” It’s hard to choose!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Lately I conclude my Rapid Fire 20Q’s by asking my last interviewee a variation of this same questions….so here goes…What theme, idea or message do you hope audiences will remember long after having seen Theatre of Gadsden’s Steel Magnolias?
MACY SAULS: I hope that they see the beauty, solidarity, strength and love that comes with womanhood and friendship. These women in the cast display brilliant strength and camaraderie that brings these themes to life.
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Theatre of Gadsden’s Steel Magnolias opens Friday, February 9 at The Ritz Theatre (310 North 27th Street, Gadsden, Alabama, 35904), and running through Sunday, February 18. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Door open 45 minutes before curtain. Tickets are $20/Adults, $18/Seniors/Students/Military. Groups of 10 or more $15/each. Groups of 20 or more $13/each. To hear all the latest gossip at Truvy’s Beauty Spot and witness every heartfelt moment of laughter through tears of Theatre of Gadsden’s Steel Magnolia’s, CLCK HERE to purchase tickets. For more info call 256.547.7469.
Up next at Theatre of Gadsden is The Outsiders with shows May 3 through May 12. Auditions for The Outsiders will be held February 19 and 20. For more information, CLICK HERE. Follow Theatre of Gadsden on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more details.
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