Spotlight On: Simone McMahon
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of Steel Magnolias. Get to know Simone McMahon who is portraying Shelby Eatonten Latcherie in our production!
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I have loved the film adaptation of “Steel Magnolias” ever since my Aunt Megan introduced me to the film when I was a little girl; it is one of my comfort stories. I also love working with CTC so when I saw this was the next production in the season I knew I would regret not auditioning. I am so glad I did!
What do you love about your character?
The attribute I admire most about Shelby is her ability to live her life to the fullest. She never allows her illness to define her. She charges confidently toward the direction of her dreams and I find that to be inspiring.
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
My favorite part about community theatre are the friendships we nurture throughout the rehearsal process. During our breaks in rehearsal, I enjoy laughing & chatting with my fellow castmates. They are all such interesting and warm women and I have loved getting to know each of them!
Can you describe a challenging scene you’ve played and how you tackled the emotional complexity?
Without giving any spoilers… There is a scene where Shelby shares some news with her mother, M’Lynn. The dialogue is deeply emotionally complex and it’s the moment where the audience really sees the tension between mother and daughter come to a head. I took a lot of time disecting Shelby’s goal in that moment and discovered her motivation isn’t rebelion, but fear. She has been sick her entire life and has been able to run from it. What she shares with her mother that day in the beauty salon is the first time she isn’t able to hide or charm her mother into being less terrified of the outcome. I believe it’s the first time Shelby is finally able to understand and accept the deep love her own mother feels for her. It’s by far my favorite moment in the show and Susan Smith who plays my mom makes it so easy to perform that difficult scene. She is so talented and I love that we get our own special moment during the show.
How do you utilize stage blocking and movement to enhance your character’s story?
To me, the most important part of portraying a character is deciding on a walk. You can tell a lot about a person based on the way they carry themselves. We bring our entire stories with us into every room we enter. I decided on Shelby’s mannerisms and stride early on, which helped me move through the blocking of each scene. She’s a proper Southern Belle whose posture is always upright and I try to make her gate as graceful as possible. Shelby is one of those girls who can charm anyone; so much of that information is signaled through her gestures. Movement is one of my favorite tools to use as an actress. It is a mode of storytelling in and of itself.
How do you build rapport and trust with your fellow cast members to create believable onstage dynamics?
Portraying community and friendship is easy with the ladies in this cast because they are all so lovely! They are each extremely talented and I have loved watching them build their characters. Conversation comes easily to this cast and getting to see them multiple times a week has been one of the many highlights of this experience!
What do you do to prepare mentally and physically before a performance?
I create a music playlist for every character I play. I add songs that they would hear if they turned on the radio during the time the show takes place, if they are married I add what I think would have been their wedding song, I include songs they may have listened to during childhood/teenage years, I also add songs that are referenced in the show as well. For Shelby, it is a lot of 80’s pop and some classic southern ballads that I am sure her mother made her listen to on her way to school every morning! I play these songs on my way to each rehearsal and during my pre-show routine. It really helps me to get into character and settle into the time period we are about to perform in.
Have you ever faced stage fright or nervousness before a performance? How did you overcome it?
I’ve been doing theatre my whole life and I still get nervous before every audition and performance. The thing I have found most helpful is finding acceptance in the fact that I will get nervous; it is just the way it goes. When I was younger I would get really frustrated with myself for getting jittery but as I’ve gotten older I have realized that nerves are there for a reason; they help us stay sharp and on our game during the show. That electricity you feel right before the lights go up is a sign that you really love what you are about to do. The moment that feeling goes away, it will be time for me to hang up my tap shoes! So now, I harness that adrenaline and use it to help my performance. I try to remember that this is what I was born to do and remind myself what a privilege it is to be healthy enough to be able to participate in a live performance. Having fun with whatever production I am a part of is the most important thing!
Why should audiences come to see this production?
“Steel Magnolias” is such a special show. People should come see this production because laughter is medicine and we all need to be reminded that friendships are some of the most important bonds we have in this life. If you love the movie, you will adore the play. I am so grateful to be a part of this production; we really put a lot of hard work into it. I hope to see y’all there! xoxo
“Steel Magnolias” opens on March 14th and runs through March 23rd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” —New York Daily News.
“…a skillfully crafted, lovingly evoked picture of eccentricity in the small-town South…Robert Harling is a new voice in the theatre and the qualities of STEEL MAGNOLIAS suggest he may be an important one.” —Drama-Logue.
“…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” —New York Post.
