Meredith alumna and Broadway star Beth Leavel, ’77, is starring in the NC Theatre production of “Steel Magnolias” this month. The production runs April 20-29, 2012, at Raleigh’s Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
Click here to read a Q&A with Leavel from The News & Observer.
In 2006, Leavel won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Her most recent Tony nomination was in 2011 in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her work in “Baby It’s You!”
Leavel is an accomplished Broadway actress, dancer and singer. During her senior year at Meredith she decided to pursue an acting career. While a student, she performed in Meredith productions “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” “Come Blow Your Horn,” “Blithe Spirit,” “The Bald Soprano” and “Cabaret.”
She received her degree in sociology from Meredith, and then earned an MFA at UNC-Greensboro. Leavel first gained national exposure as an understudy to Lucy Arnez in “I Do, I Do,” which led her to a role in “42nd Street,” where she appeared in its Broadway production, its National Touring Company and a run in Japan. Later she starred in “Crazy for You” as Tess and as Ellie in “Show Boat.”
For more about the NC Theatre production of “Steel Magnolias” visit nctheatre.com/shows/steel-magnolias.
– Melyssa Allen, Marketing
beyondthebackgate.com 
I saw the play on opening night and Beth was great!!