Australian actress Lisa McCune is set to dazzle crowds in her hometown of Perth for the first time in nearly a decade, starring as one of the leading ladies in the State production of Steel Magnolias. The four-time Logie winner takes on the role of M’Lynn Eatenton, the devoted mother famously portrayed by Sally Field in the 1989 film adaptation.
Homecoming to a Transformed City
McCune arrived in Perth on Sunday evening before her fortnight-long run at His Majesty’s Theatre, which opens on Tuesday. She has been blown away by how the city has changed since she last performed there. The Blue Heelers star is particularly excited to see the recently reopened Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, where she is among the famous alumni.
“I’m really keen to go back and see it. That was the most remarkable training for me and I loved it. I still catch up with one of my lecturers who taught there, he lives here. I’ll catch up with him,” McCune said.
Revisiting Childhood Haunts
Born in Sydney but raised in WA, McCune spent her formative years in Perth. Reflecting on her return, she said: “It’s beautiful to wander through the places that I know so well, it’s so funny when you’ve grown up somewhere, because things are imprinted in you in a way that you don’t realise until you come back.”
She has already reacquainted herself with Jacobs Ladder, a famous set of steps in Perth, and set a lofty personal goal: “I’m gonna find out what others do, but maybe I’ll aim to go up and down 10 times,” McCune said.
About Steel Magnolias
Based on playwright Robert Harling’s experience of losing his sister, Steel Magnolias follows six women whose lives intersect in a small-town Louisiana beauty salon. The production balances comedy with a profound exploration of friendship, family, and grief. Directed by Lee Lewis, the play runs at His Majesty’s Theatre from July 7 to 18.
