Michelle Bendetti Talks 'Steel Magnolias', NTAC's 2026- 27 Season - Interview
Newport Theatre Arts Center Board President, Michelle Bendetti, talks about Steel Magnolias and the upcoming 2026-27 Season.
I spoke with Newport Theatre Arts Center (NTAC) Board President Michelle Bendetti about ‘Steel Magnolias’ and the theater’s upcoming 2026–27 season.
Directed by Kathy Paladino, ‘Steel Magnolias’ (Running from June 25 through July 19, 2026) is a heartfelt Southern drama by Robert Harling. Set in a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, it follows a close-knit group of women who share laughter, love and life’s challenges. Centered on the strong-willed Shelby, a young woman with diabetes, and her protective mother, M’Lynn, the play explores friendship, resilience and the strength of community. Through both joyful and heartbreaking moments, the women’s bonds prove they are as delicate as magnolias and as strong as steel.
Bendetti previously played Shelby in an earlier NTAC production. In the current production, Shelby is portrayed by Sarah Bielicki. The cast also features Giana Garcia as Annelle, Michelle Pedersen as M’Lynn, Jeanetta Behr as Truvy, Judy Jones as Ouiser and Alexandra Bank as Clairee.
Bendetti also discussed the 2026–27 season, which will include, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, ‘Almost, Maine’, ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘Urinetown’. Two additional productions will be announced in July and September. The MTones will return during the holiday season with their annual Christmas performances.
Newport Theatre Arts Center is also accepting tax-deductible donations to support facility renovations that will improve accessibility for patrons who use wheelchairs and walkers as the theater prepares for its 50th anniversary.
Gifts of $5,000 plus will earn you Super Star status as a supporter, down to $100 as an Ensemble member. All donations will go to new seats, carpets, paint, floor light and improve the layout, along with other improvements for accessibility.
To make a tax deductible donation visit: ntactickets.com/donate.
‘Steel Magnolias’ runs from June 25 to July 19, 2026.
To purchase tickets for ‘Steel Magnolias’ visit: https://us.patronbase.com/_NewportTheatreArtsCenter/Productions/31/Performances or call the Box Office at: +1-949-631-0288.
Newport Theatre Arts Center is located at:
2501 Cliff Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92663