APU Celebrates 50 Years of Steel Magnolias with Intergenerational Cast

Alumni from 1999 production return to witness current students' interpretation of the enduring play

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:53am

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Azusa Pacific University's Department of Theater Arts is preparing to open its production of Steel Magnolias, sparking reflection on the play's enduring themes of sisterhood and navigating life's hardships. The upcoming performances are particularly poignant as alumni from the 1999 production return to witness the current cast's interpretation.

Why it matters

The production highlights the growth and evolution of APU's theater program, which has transitioned from a largely student-run endeavor to a more established program. The involvement of alumni alongside current students fosters mentorship and a sense of continuity, reflecting broader trends in community and faith-based theater.

The details

The 1999 production of Steel Magnolias was a formative experience for many students, with Gretchen Lee '98 and Rachel Mikhail '99 recalling the student-led nature of the production. The current cast, led by Madysen Papke '26, has focused on developing the relationships between characters and exploring the emotional depth of the story. The production is also rooted in the cast's shared faith, with Jill Brennan-Lincoln, chair of the Department of Theater Arts, highlighting the significance of female friendships as 'one of the greatest gifts God has given us'.

  • The 1999 production of Steel Magnolias was one of the first shows staged in the Warehouse Theater at Azusa Pacific University.
  • The upcoming 2026 production of Steel Magnolias will open on March 19, 2026.

The players

Azusa Pacific University Department of Theater Arts

The theater program at Azusa Pacific University, which has undergone significant growth and evolution since its early days.

Gretchen Lee

A 1998 graduate of Azusa Pacific University who recalls the 1999 production of Steel Magnolias as a largely student-run endeavor.

Rachel Mikhail

A 1999 graduate of Azusa Pacific University who is now witnessing her former student, Allie Chobanian, in the lead role of the 2026 production.

Madysen Papke

A member of the current cast of the 2026 production of Steel Magnolias, who has praised her fellow actresses as 'hardest-working' and 'dedicated'.

Jill Brennan-Lincoln

The chair of the Department of Theater Arts at Azusa Pacific University, who highlighted the significance of female friendships as 'one of the greatest gifts God has given us'.

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What they’re saying

“We were doing something new and exciting on campus.”

— Gretchen Lee, 1998 graduate

“It is such a full circle moment.”

— Rachel Mikhail, 1999 graduate

“We are the hardest-working, most dedicated group of actresses.”

— Madysen Papke, 2026 cast member

“One of the greatest gifts God has given us in terms of walking this earth together and surviving.”

— Jill Brennan-Lincoln, Chair, Department of Theater Arts

What’s next

The 2026 production of Steel Magnolias at Azusa Pacific University will open on March 19, 2026, with a special alumni reunion event planned for the weekend.

The takeaway

The enduring appeal of productions like Steel Magnolias at APU highlights the power of community-based theater to foster intergenerational connections, personal growth, and meaningful dialogue around themes of faith, resilience, and the human experience.