Condola Rashad’s (Theater BFA 08) star is on the rise. Her 2011 performance in Stick Fly on Broadway earned her a Tony Award nomination, and recent roles in the television shows Smash, The Good Wife and Law & Order have sparked media attention.
This month, the young actress continues her red-hot run with a captivating performance in the television film remount of Steel Magnolias, which premiered last Sunday (Oct. 7) on the Lifetime Channel.
Directed by Kenny Leon (Raisin in the Sun), this contemporary revamp of the beloved stage play and 1989 film, chronicles the complex lives and friendships of six women in Louisiana. Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they gather at a local beauty shop to discuss the important topics that truly unite and celebrate women—life and death, husbands and children, hair and nails.
Rashad plays Shelby, a character made famous by Julia Roberts in the 1989 film version. She’s joined by Queen Latifah, who also executive produced the film, Adepero Oduye as Annelle, Jill Scott as Truvy, Alfre Woodard as Ouiser and Phylicia Rashad as Clairee.
Of Rashad’s performance, The Huffington Post writes:
Queen Latifah is a strong presence as M’Lynn while both Phylicia Rashad and Alfre Woodard have some great moments as Clairee and Ouiser. Jill Scott provides softness as Truvy and Adepero Oduye is sweetly simple as Annelle. But it is Condola Rashad (Phylicia’s daughter) who steals the show as Shelby, M’Lynn’s daughter.
Above is a clip from the film, featuring Condola Rashad.