California Baptist University
Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
Theatre Arts Division presents
Steel Magnolias
A play by Robert Harling
Director / Producer ZACHARY BORTOT
Technical Director MICHAEL RING
Scenic Designer ANDREW COLE
Scene Shop Supervisor SHANE MOSER
Properties Designer SANTINO ALVARADO
Lighting Designer MICHAEL RING
Sound Designer XANDER SHORTS
Costume Designer KIANA BJUR
Hair/Wig Designer VIENNA AGUAS
Makeup Designer ALYSON SPILLMANN
Box Office Manager STEPHANIE HULL
Accent Coach SUE KLEMP
As a courtesy to other patrons and our performers, please turn off all cellular phones and alarms. Refrain from bringing food or drinks inside the theatre. Photography and recording devices are strictly prohibited.
ETHOS ON THEMATIC CONTENT
The depiction of sinful acts in storytelling is not an endorsement of sin. The Bible contains acts of violence, murder, indiscretions, and a host of other examples of the sinful nature of humanity in a fallen world. But the Bible does not explore those topics and leave one bereft of hope. Much like one cannot paint a picture without the use of shadow, one cannot tell a truthful story about human experience without depicting certain realities of human existence. We need a savior precisely because we are sinful creatures. To sanitize that truth would be a disservice to the beauty of the sacrificial love that Christ exhibited on the cross when He died for our sins. For this reason, we do not shy away from thematically challenging content, but through intentional prayerful discernment and reading of the word of God we do establish guidelines for the telling of stories of redemption. In that spirit, we offer content guides so families and individuals can make informed decisions about their viewing experience and biblical context so viewers can be drawn to understand the content considering God’s eternal character, humanity’s mortal condition, and how they interact in God’s cosmic story.
CONTENT GUIDE
This production is rated T for Teenagers and older Content contains mature themes of love and loss.
RUN TIME
The production is approximately 2 ½ hours. There will be one 15-minute intermission.
GREAT COMMISSION CONTEXT
Welcome to our production of Steel Magnolias. At first glance, Robert Harling’s beloved play might seem like a lighthearted slice of Southern life – set in a beauty salon, full of quick wit, big hair, and strong personalities – but after spending a little time at Truvy’s, you will find yourself in the middle of something special – a community built on love, sacrifice, and unshakable hope. This is a story of mothers, daughters, and friends who face both the joys and the sorrows of life with grace, humor, and grit. It does not shy away from suffering but also refuses to let grief have the final word. In this way, it resonates deeply with our calling as followers of Christ.
At CBU we are committed to serving the Great Commission – to go into all the world, making disciples and teaching the way of Jesus. But discipleship is not limited to one space. It happens around kitchen tables, in hospital waiting rooms, and in beauty salons. It happens when we show up for one another, when we choose to stay present in the messiness of real life, and when we bear witness to God’s love through compassion, patience, and faithful friendship. This type of presence with others connects directly to our theme for this season, which is, “Grow Where You Are Planted.” There are often circumstances and places we find ourselves in that we cannot control – but what we can always control is how we react to those things. We may have our moments of frustration and despair, but we can always make the choice to positively influence the community in which God has planted us.
Steel Magnolias reminds us that Christian community is not always neat or tidy – but it is sacred.
The women of Chinquapin Parish show us what it means to carry each other’s burdens and to walk together through the seasons of life with honesty, laughter, and grace. These small acts of care – so often hidden from the spotlight – are the very heart of the Gospel lived out.
As a Theatre program grounded in Christian liberal arts, we believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to reflect truth. It helps us see the image of God in one another. It challenges us to live more fully, generously, and faithfully.
Today’s story does just that.
Thank you for joining us. We hope this performance makes you laugh, makes you think, and maybe even makes you pick up the phone and call someone you love.
Blessings,
Zachary Bortot, MFA Associate Professor, Theatre Arts Division Director
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
It is a privilege to share this beloved play with you – a work that so beautifully captures the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of a group of women bound together by friendship and faith. As I get older, I discover more each day about the importance and power of enduring friendships. I like to believe that is something we can all relate to as we age, regardless of our faith, creed, or socioeconomic status.
Set within the warm, familiar walls of Truvy’s beauty shop, the play unfolds like real life does – through snippets of conversation, shared laughter, occasional tears, and long-term faithfulness. But beneath its Southern charm and quick wit, Steel Magnolias reveals something profoundly theological – it reminds us that caregiving is discipleship, and that spiritual formation often occurs in the quiet, daily acts of love. When I have a hard day, sometimes the most uplifting thing I can do is call a friend. Sometimes those conversations are to vent frustration. But more often, the balm for my soul is simply talking about life. Well, that and redirecting my attention from myself to tending to the cares and concerns of others.
Making disciples of Christ requires effort across all walks of life and in all kinds of places. That includes the quieter, relational work of nurturing hearts, comforting the grieving, walking with the sick, and standing beside one another when life takes an unexpected turn. I am sure you know what it is like – to put everything else in your life on hold to help someone else, someone whom you can tell is in desperate need of a human connection. In those moments, I try to remember that God has blessed me to be in that place, for that specific time. That other person is more important than my “todo” list.
In this story, we see that kind of spiritual companionship most clearly in the lives of women who live life through food, phone calls, hair appointments, and holding space for one another’s suffering. The early church was formed in homes, around meals, in prayer circles, and in the mutual care of women like Mary, Lydia, and Priscilla. In much the same way, the women of Steel Magnolias model a form of ministry that often goes unrecognized but remains deeply impactful – the ministry of presence. Of listening. Of staying when things get hard. That is the Gospel in action.
As we train students to serve Christ in the performing arts, we repeatedly return to the truth that storytelling can be a holy work. In this production, we witness a community of women who embody sacrificial love, hope in the face of loss, and a deep trust in the goodness of God – even when life breaks their hearts.
May this performance draw you closer to the one who binds us together in grace, and may it inspire all of us to love more deeply, live more fully, and serve more faithfully.
Zachary Bortot, MFA, Associate Professor, Theatre Arts Division Director
CAST
Truvy Jones ANNALISE WACHOWIAK
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto
RACHEL LENDERS
Clairee Belcher CHLOE CRITSER
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie
AVA HILL
M'Lynn Eatenton BREANNA MASTERS
Ouiser Boudreaux
Understudy Truvy/M'Lynn
Understudy Annelle/Shelby
Understudy Ouiser/Clairee
ALYSSA QUIMBY
SERENITY GUIDRY
VIENNA AGUAS
CAITLYNN KEENEY
PRODUCTION STAFF
Technical Director MICHAEL RING
Scene Shop Supervisor SHANE MOSER
Stage Manager AMARIS MONTEON
Assistant Stage Manager ADDISON BREMMER
Assistant Stage Manager ELIJAH HERNANDEZ
Sound Board Operator MICAH HEBERT
Light Board Operator JOSH PARSIO
LED Wall Operator PAYTON JONES
Properties Manager CARLY CATILLER
Costume Lead HALEY NESBIHAL
Costume Crew ASHLYN WILLIAMS
Hair/Makeup Lead TALITHA LAZAR
Hair/Makeup Crew EMMA CATILLER
Scene Shop Assistants
Scenic Construction Volunteers
Costume Shop Assistants
Box Office Assistants
KAILEY LOZIER
MATTHEW FURNESS
KEVIN WALLS
ALYSSA QUIMBY
SANTINO ALVARADO
SIDRA ROCHE
RACHEL ROGSTAD
XANDER SHORTS
TAYLOR RICKERT
TRISTAN JACKSON
ABIGAIL KING
ANGELA JOHNSON
ADDISON BREMMER
KAYLEE CERVANTES
BETHANY HOOPER
ABIGAIL HENRY
ALIYA BEAUPAIN
HALEY NESBIHAL
TIFFANY BRAVO
CAITLYNN KEENEY
ALEXANDRA KUEBLER
ELIZABETH GRAY
LILY HARPER
SABRINA HEIM
CHARLES MARTINEZ
EMMA PINZA
CHLOE CRITSER
Production Photography DANIEL ARRIOLA
Video Services THINKRING PRODUCTIONS
CAST
VIENNA AGUAS (Understudy
Annelle/Shelby) is a junior Theatre Arts major from Corona, CA. She admires Shelby and Annelle because of the kindness and perseverance they carry themselves with through hard times. Vienna’s previous theatrical credits include: Christian Arts and Theatre: Big Fish (Ensemble), Matilda (Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Maid).
California Baptist University: Dietrich and Maria (Ensemble), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Roma Ensemble), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane, Merrimen), Shrek the Musical (Cheshire Cat/Rat Tapper/Duloc Dancer/Villager).
CHLOE CRITSER (Clairee) is a freshman at CBU. She has loved the theatre for the past decade. Last semester, she stage-managed CBU’s production of Our Town. She is excited to make her onstage debut this semester. Some past credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice), Fools (Sophia Zubritsky), and Antigone (Antigone). Chloe hopes you enjoy this southern masterpiece! “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 3:14
SERENITY GUIDRY (Understudy
Truvy/M'Lynn) is a freshman here at CBU. She is so excited to be in her first production with CBU Theatre Arts! Previous credits include: Hadestown (Fate) and Seussical (Thing 1).
Outside of Steel Magnolias, she is involved in the University Choir Orchestra, the CBU Opera Program, where she will be playing Spirit #3 in The Magic Flute, and she was cast in the
production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support, her professors for all their wisdom, and this amazing cast and crew for all their hard work. She hopes you enjoy the show!
AVA HILL (Shelby) is a sophomore at CBU majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Performance for Stage and Screen and a minor in Film. She comes from the rainy state of Washington, where she has played many diverse characters which include: The Little Mermaid (Ursula), The Curious Savage (Fairy Mae), White Christmas (Tessie), Mary Poppins (Jane Banks), and The Little Mermaid Jr (Ariel). She recently appeared as Alice in The Book of Will which was her college theatre debut with CBU Theatre Arts. She is excited to be working alongside Professor Bortot again, as well as some of her closest friends. She hopes she can do Shelby justice by leaning into her heart, fire, and passion for all things pink and girly. To God be the glory!
CAITLYNN KEENEY (Understudy
Ouiser/Clairee) is a sophomore Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Some previous Theatre credits include: Into The Woods (Dwarf), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), 60's Mania (Superfan #2/Mrs Tucker), Pride and Prejudice (Caroline Bingley), Footloose (Ethel McCormack), and The Man Who Came To Dinner (Lorraine Sheldon). She thanks God, her parents, her family friends, and her professors for their support in her journey at CBU. Matthew 5:16.
RACHEL LENDERS (Annelle) is a senior Theatre Arts major. She is so thankful to be a part of this beloved production! Her previous theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Shrek the Musical (Tweedle Dee/Dance Captain), Our Town (Audience Member/The Dead), The Book of Will (Fruit Seller/Barlady 1), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Townsperson); Peninsula School of Performing Arts: The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and The Sleeping Beauty. Ephesians 2:8-10
BREANNA MASTERS (M'Lynn) is a junior majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Performance for Stage & Screen. She is beyond thrilled to be a part of Steel Magnolias! Notable credits include: Clue (Mrs. White), Spamalot (Dead Fred), & The Red Velvet Cake War (Gaynelle). Other credits include: Pippin (featured ensemble) & Our Town (Audience Member/The Dead). Breanna would like to thank her boyfriend, Kaleb, for his love, support, and for his unwavering belief in her. She would also like to thank her family, the Bravo family, and her friends for their constant love, support, and encouragement. She is especially grateful to Professor Bortot for giving her this opportunity. Breanna loves this story and this lovely group of women, and she hopes you'll love them too. All glory to God!
ALYSSA QUIMBY (Ouiser) is a senior at California Baptist University studying Theatre Arts and Social Work. You may have recently seen her perform in Our Town (Mrs. Webb) and The Book of Will (Susanna Shakespeare). Alyssa is very excited to be playing Ouiser. She would like to thank all the people who have poured into her. Alyssa would not be where she is today without all her friends, teachers, parents, and mentors' support. She hopes you find the beauty in community!
ANNALISE WACHOWIAK (Truvy) is a sophomore at CBU majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Performance for Stage and Screen. Her previous roles include: Suite Surrender (Claudia McFadden) and Our Town (Audience Member/The Dead). She wants to thank her mom, dad, family, and friends for always supporting and encouraging her in her love of theatre and performing. She is grateful to God for giving her the ability to perform every day and do what she loves. She is so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be in this incredible show that is very near and dear to her heart. She’s thankful to Professor Bortot for the opportunity and trust to bring Truvy to the CBU Wallace Theatre stage, and she hopes you are touched by this story of love and community.
BEHIND THE SCENES
ZACHARY BORTOT (Director) is an Associate Professor of Theatre and the Director of the Theatre Arts Division in the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts at California Baptist University. Before his time at CBU, he served as the Artistic Director for BIOLA University's Theatre Program and the Director of Development for the Chicago-based nonprofit Christian theatre company Honest Theatre. In his career, he has worked as an actor, director, producer, fight director, writer, and educator in various locales and venues in the US, both on stage and on screen. He is so grateful to be blessed to direct the muchbeloved classic, Steel Magnolias. You can see him next as Sebastian in Rebel Run Studio’s science-fiction film adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. He wishes heartfelt thanks to the talented cast, crew, and designers who brought professionalism to this production from day one. All praise, glory, and honor to God, who makes all things possible.
KIANA BJUR (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production. She received her B.A. in Theatre with a double concentration in performance and technical design from California Baptist University. Some of her previous technical credits include: California Baptist University: Sunday in the Park with George (Costume Design) Hunchback of Notre Dame (Costume Design), The Lightning Thief (Costume Design), Fools (Costume Design), The Play that Goes Wrong (Costume Design), Love’s La-bour’s Lost (Costume Design); Courtyard Shakespeare: As You Like It (Costume De-sign); The Barn Stage Company: Little Women (Hair and Makeup Design), James and the Giant Peach (Hair and Makeup Design); Ophelia’s Jump: Merry Wives of Windsor (Hair and Makeup Design), Macbeth (Hair and Makeup Design). Much love to her husband, daughter, family, and friends for their continued support.
ANDREW COLE (Scenic Designer) is a versatile artist with nearly twoand-a-half decades of experience in technology and design across film, television, theatre, and print. His extensive portfolio features collaborations with major companies such as Warner Bros. Pictures, Shiseido Cosmetics, TV Land, American Recordings, TBS, Samsung,
PBS, and Ford. Andrew's artistic talents have been showcased through his paintings, exhibited internationally, and have appeared in the film Ocean's 13 and the Marvel TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His passion for the immediacy and artistry of film led him to theatrical design, where he continues to excel. Over the years, Andrew has expanded his roles: serving as projection designer for American Idiot and Spring Awakening; performer, flying operator for The Little Mermaid; and designing scenic elements for the world premiere production of W.A.S.P. and The Boys Next Door, the latter earning him the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Nomination for Theatrical Design Excellence. Recent credits include architectural design for Flightdeck + Rouge Racing, art direction for the Mazda3 and Toyota Tundra, lighting design for The Addams Family, and custom instrument prop design for Musical Theatre West's The Buddy Holly Story.
SHANE MOSER (Scene Shop Supervisor) is a CBU Theatre Arts alum who has returned to be the temporary Scene Shop Supervisor for Steel Magnolias. He has previously worked on The Book of Will, Little Women, and Shrek the Musical in Directorial, Technical, and Scene Shop related aspects at the CBU Wallace Theatre.
MICHAEL RING (Lighting Designer) is the Technical Director of Theatre Arts here at California Baptist University. This production of Steel Magnolias marks his lighting design debut with CBU Theatre Arts. His previous design work spans a variety of theatrical productions and live events for multiple clients, including The Box Theatre and other academic institutions throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. He is grateful for the collaboration of the cast, creative team, and student crews. He would like to thank his wife, Colby, and children, Alexander and Lilly, for their constant support.
XANDER SHORTS (Sound Designer) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Technical Design and History with a concentration on World History. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their part in his technical development. Some of his recent design credits include: Los Osos High School: Antigone (Assistant Lighting Designer); California Baptist University: Shrek the Musical (Properties Designer).
VIENNA AGUAS (Hair/Wig Designer) is in her junior year as a Theatre Arts major at CBU. She is ecstatic to be hair and wig designer for Steel Magnolias. Her favorite aspect of this design is bringing the flamboyant and quirky hairstyles that these characters hold so dearly to life. Her theatre tech and design credits include: CBU Theatre Arts: Sunday in The Park with George (Wig Maintenance & Application), The Book of Will (Wig Designer), Our Town (Makeup/Hair/Wig Designer); Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: Comedy of Errors (Costume Crew), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] (Costume Crew).
ALYSON SPILLMANN (Makeup Designer) is a Freshman at CBU majoring in Theatre Arts. This is her first time being a designer for a CBU production. She has worked on makeup and hair for CBU's production of Shrek the Musical, and previous shows for her local theatre. She has also worked with Riverside Fox Theatre on their production of The Little Mermaid Jr. She is excited to be involved with this important role as a freshman and hopes to work on more shows in the future with CBU Theatre Arts.
AMARIS MONTEON (Stage Manager) is a sophomore Theatre Arts Major at CBU with a concentration in Design for Stage and Screen. Some of her recent design credits include: California Baptist University: Shrek the Musical (Stage Manager) Comedy of Errors (Prop Designer), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], The Book of Will. Patriot High School: Frozen (Set Designer/Scenic Painter), Wizard of Oz (Set Designer/Scenic Painter), Peter and the Starcatcher (Set Designer/Scenic Painter), Little Women (Set Designer/Scenic Painter), Pride and Prejudice (Set Designer/Scenic Painter). She would like to thank God as well as her professors and directors for providing her with so much support and so many opportunities.
ADDISON BREMMER (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore at CBU majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Marketing. She most recently played the role of Emily in Our Town this past Fall. This is her first show as part of the Stage Management team, and she is so excited! Her technical credits include hair and makeup crew for The Importance of Being Earnest and costume crew for Shrek the Musical. She is currently the Student Lead in the Theatre’s Costume Shop.
ELIJAH HERNANDEZ (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be working on Steel Magnolias; this is his first time working in Stage Management and is willing to do everything in his power to make the experience one that will never be forgotten. He has acted here at CBU
before having previous roles in The Book of Will and Shrek the Musical. He is in pursuit of his Theatre Arts degree and hopes you say hi to him after the show.
Understanding Diabetes &
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose), which is a primary source of energy. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.
There are multiple types of diabetes, but Shelby Eatenton’s condition in Steel Magnolias is Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and manage them through insulin, diet, and lifestyle choices. When blood sugar levels drop too low (hypoglycemia), symptoms can include shakiness, confusion, irritability, sweating, and loss of consciousness if not treated promptly.
Shelby’s Condition in the Play
Shelby’s diabetes is not a defining trait of her personality, but it is a real and constant presence in her life. In the world of the play, her condition represents an ongoing medical reality that requires vigilance, support, and respect – both from the characters around her and from those telling the story.
One of the most well-known moments in the play involves a diabetic episode in which Shelby experiences dangerously low blood sugar. This moment is often remembered for its intensity, but it is important to understand that it is not meant to sensationalize diabetes. Rather, it illustrates how quickly a medical situation can escalate and how essential calm, informed care can be.
While the play accurately captures the emotional truth of diabetes – the vigilance it requires, the impact of stress, and the importance of community care – some medical details reflect the understanding and practices of the time in which the play was written. Advances in treatment and monitoring have since changed how diabetes is managed today.
How We Are Handling Shelby’s Diabetes Respectfully
In this production, Shelby’s diabetes is treated with care. Our approach is guided by three core principles:
1. Authenticity over exaggeration
Shelby’s symptoms and treatment are portrayed without caricature or melodrama. The goal is clarity and truth, not spectacle.
2. Community and care
Moments involving Shelby’s condition emphasize the importance of communal response – listening, responding appropriately, and supporting rather than panicking. These scenes reflect how chronic illness is often managed not in isolation, but within relationships.
3. Respect for lived experience
Many audience members may live with diabetes themselves or care for someone who does. We approach these scenes with sensitivity, recognizing that this story reflects real lives, real fears, and real strength.
Why
This Matters
Steel Magnolias tells a story about love, resilience, and the bonds that sustain us through joy and loss. Shelby’s diabetes is part of that story – not as a lesson or a warning, but as a truthful representation of living fully while managing a serious medical condition. By portraying Shelby’s condition with respect and care, we hope to foster understanding, compassion, and awareness – both within the story and beyond the stage.
SPECIAL THANKS
- Alex Stephens for his work in marketing and advertising design
- Justin McWhorter and Matthew McConnell for technical contributions
- Brett Vowel as “The Voice of CBU”
- The CBU Marketing & Communication team
- Nathan Underwood from Events Center Ticketing
- Brady Greer Huffman and University of Redlands
- Dr. Joseph Bolin, Dr. Charles Sands, and Dr. Ronald L. Ellis for their continued leadership and support of the Theatre Arts Division and The Collinsworth School of Performing Arts.
