Shawna Vercher, the industrious CEO of Largo-based VTi Media who was highlighted in our May 7 edition, was in front of a different kind of spotlight June 4, taking on an acting role made famous by Julia Roberts.
Vercher played the part of Shelby in a one-night performance of “Steel Magnolias” by the Impromptu Players of Stageworks Theatre. She and her fellow cast members, all of whom are seasoned professionals apart from their amateur acting abilities, spent only three days rehearsing the staged reading.
“We actually did justice to a classic,” Vercher tells Coffee Talk. “I was honored to be on stage with some fine actresses.”
Vercher adds that the performance at Friday Morning Musicale sold more tickets than anticipated, generating donations of at least $25 per person with proceeds benefiting Stageworks' outreach program for at-risk youngsters.
Other players included Kathy Fountain, Janet Frenkel, Megan Lamasney, Susan O'Gara and Cathy Unruh. The play was directed by Midge Mamatas and produced by Andrea Graham.