Award-winning actress, Lisa McCune, joined Leah and Dan on Breakfast to talk about the beloved Steel Magnolias, coming to His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth.
Lisa’s Accolades
After her time at WAAPA, Lisa went on to star in TV shows, such as, Blue Heelers and The Potato Factory. She also won Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2024. Lisa has been featured in a range of movies and won an impressive collection of Gold Logies, including Most Popular Australian Personality. She rapidly became a household name and now stars in the on-stage production of Steel Magnolias as M’Lynn.
New Job, New Challenge
Despite Lisa’s success on the stage and her experience on screen, she still finds each new job a fresh challenge.
“I always start a new job and feel like I’ve never done it before. Hopefully there’s some skills that are there that propel you forward.”
She added to this by saying she truly loves her job, especially the story telling aspect for it. She is so excited about coming back to Perth as it keeps her connected to her roots.
“I haven’t been back to perform in Perth much since I left and I’ve done it once with South Pacific and now this and when we can kind of take things across, it’s really good because we need to, it’s a great way of keeping Perth connected,” she said.
Coming to a Stage Near You
So far, the cast and crew have opened in Brisbane, then Sydney and Canberra. Perth is next on their tour.
Lisa admitted, although all crowds have been great, they have received the best response from Canberra. “I love a bit of Canberra because it reminds me of a Perth that I grew up in many, many years ago. It’s got that tight-knit closeness, and Canberra’s got that feel.”
True Story
Something that Lisa didn’t realise until after she accepted the role was that Steel Magnolias is based on a true story.
“The play came first and then the movie came so a lot of the Hollywood actresses saw the play and they all wanted to be part of it. It was a very big thing at the time but, Robert Harling who wrote it, he actually wrote the play in response to sister who had diabetes that the Julia Roberts Shelby character is based on.”
Lisa said it’s something that makes it more remarkable as a show.
“It is a true story and so therefore there’s a lot of truth at the centre, it’s really funny, fast and witty which he based on the lives of these women, his mother and sister who he grew up around.”
“Anyway, we’re loving it and the audiences are loving it as well. We’re having a ball.”
Three Generations
Lisa noted that this show features three generations of women in it. This is also reflected in the range of audiences that come to see it.
“It captures the different generations and the different voices,” she said.
The 80s decor and costume add to the fun of the show, which Lisa said has also been well received by male audiences.
“I think men kind of get a glimpse into this world of women being really funny, which they are. The funniest and naughtiest women are the older ones, which is great.”
The Dream Role
Lisa believed herself to be aged out of an iconic role that would have been her dream.
“I would have loved to have had a go at Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. It’s a great role, from the original Pygmalion story to where she finishes up, it’s just such a beautiful story about a woman getting an education. This woman kind of becomes this diamond in the rough.”
Return to Perth
She said she is also excited about coming back to Perth and performing at His Majesty’s Theatre.
“I did a Gilbert and Sullivan production there when I was about 13. I’m so excited about coming back and performing at that beautiful theatre. We lost so many over east… that one is like this gorgeous theatre that we have in Perth.”
“The cast that I’m working with are just such glorious women, and I think everybody will love to come and see who’s in this very beautiful play.”
Check out the full chat with Lisa McCune below.