She’s tough, yet loving.
That’s how Rachel Hull describes her role as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, one of the lead characters in the award-winning Robert Harling play ‘Steel Magnolias.?
‘Shelby is brave woman who is risking her life to have a baby, ‘said Hull, a 2010 Goodrich High School graduate. ‘Yet despite her illness, she just wants to be a mother.?
Hull’s performance will run through March 14 at the Purple Rose Theatre Co. in Chelsea, Mich. The Purple Rose is an award-winning theater founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels. The part of Shelby was played on the big screen by actress Julia Roberts, who won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for her role. Since opening in 1989, Steel Magnolias has grossed more than $135 million.
Hull, who studied musical theatre at Oakland University and graduated in 2014, said she pretty much ignored the performance by Julia Roberts when preparing for the part.
‘I did not watch the film ‘Steel Magnolias,?? she said. ‘I did not want to be influenced by how Roberts played the part or her choices regarding the text. Rather, I based my work on the text of Harling’the way he wants it. Actually, it worked out very well, I’m very happy with the results. The play is just beautiful.?
Hull is also a company member with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival and was Player Queen in ‘Hamlet,? Gwendolyn in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,? and Cymbeline in ‘Imogen.? She also has performed at The Huron Playhouse, in Huron, Ohio which includes the part of Gloria in ‘Bye Bye Birdie?; ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,? featured dancer, ‘Carousel?; Eva, ‘The King and I,? and Suzette, ‘Don’t Dress For Dinner.?
In the summer of 2013 she studied in Greece, which included the role Haemon in the play ‘Antigone.?
‘And yes, Haemon is a man,? she laughed. ‘While playing Haemon I didn’t try to pretend to be a man’I didn’t alter my voice in any way. I simply told the truth and there was no need to alter my voice.?
Hull’s diverse career began at the Flint Youth Theater and Goodrich High School.
‘My first theatrical production at GHS was in ‘The Good Doctor,? I was about 13- years-old,? she said. ‘My goal, back then and now, was going to be a working actress. I’m at a place where I am doing that now. I’m 23-years-old and so thankful I’ve had this chance. I remember telling my mother that I’m going to pay my bills acting and I am. I stayed with it and was cast for many shows while I was at Oakland University. A lot of people believe in me. There’s just so much support from my mother, businesses, educators and my professors at OU.?
‘I don’t make or have make plans for the future’I just let it happen,? she added.
‘Steel Magnolias? continues through March 14 at the Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park Street, in Chelsea, just off Interstate 94 about 15 minutes west of Ann Arbor. For performance and ticket information, call 734-433-ROSE or go to
www.purplerosetheatre.org.