In a career that has spanned over three decades, Lisa McCune has played an impressive array of roles. From a police officer to a navy lieutenant and even an alien grandmother, she has showcased her versatility across various genres. However, it’s her latest role in the stage production of Steel Magnolias that resonates most deeply with her personal life. As M’Lynn Eatenton, a character famously portrayed by Sally Field in the 1989 film adaptation, Lisa brings a heartfelt portrayal of motherhood that mirrors her own experiences.
Lisa, who is 55 years old, shares how this role connects with her as a mother. Her daughter, Remy, is 20 years old, which makes her character’s relationship with Shelby, her daughter in the play, particularly relatable. “I’m really glad that I have a daughter that age,” Lisa explains. “She will talk to me and communicate with me in a way that she would never do with anyone else, because I’m her mum.” She highlights the unique bond between a mother and daughter, where the ‘guard comes down’ and difficult conversations can take place. This dynamic is central to the play, and Lisa finds it deeply moving.
The 1987 play, written by Robert Harling, was adapted into a successful Hollywood movie starring Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and Julia Roberts. The story revolves around six women who meet at a hair salon, celebrating their friendships and the strength of female bonds. Lisa notes that some of the lines in the play perfectly capture the essence of motherhood. “It’s sometimes about the silence and just sucking up a little bit of the pain,” she says. “I’m not very good at that.”
Researching the play, which was inspired by Harling’s personal experiences after losing his sister to diabetic complications, helped Lisa ground her performance in authenticity. “There’s even a beautiful inscription at the front of the play that says these women are real,” she adds. “It’s an instruction from the writer that they must be played as real.”
Lisa also relates the play’s themes to her own experience as a mother. She has been part of a mother’s group since the birth of her first son, finding support and understanding through shared experiences. “You have people who are going through what you might be at a given time, and they’re just non-judgmental and a wonderful support,” she says. This sense of community mirrors the camaraderie depicted in Steel Magnolias.
The emotional impact of the play is undeniable. Lisa recalls a recent scene where she performed with one of her sons, who is an avid reader. He was struck by the power of the dialogue. “He just kind of paused before his line and he went: ‘Gee, that’s a pretty well-written speech, isn’t it?’” Lisa shares. “It really kind of struck him. I think it’s because the emotional side of this play, people will be moved by the truth of it.”
The role of Shelby, the optimistic and resilient character battling diabetes, is played by Jessica Redmayne, known for her work on Home and Away. Lisa praises Jessica for her openness, capability, and the “beautiful sparkle” she brings to the role. “She’s such a girl,” Lisa says. “She’s beautiful and Jess does that effortlessly, as Julia Roberts did. It made Julia Roberts a star.”
Lisa’s journey to stardom began with her iconic portrayal of Senior Constable Maggie Doyle in Blue Heelers. More recently, she showcased her talents in Dancing with the Stars, where she won the competition in 2024. Reflecting on the experience, she admits, “My feet were so wrecked by the end of the series.” Despite the challenges, she found the experience rewarding. “It was just such a different discipline and way of dancing. I’m really glad I did it.”
When asked if she’d consider more reality TV, Lisa laughs. “I don’t think I would ever do reality where people would get to see me at my worst.” However, she teases, “Never say never. I like the idea of the challenge. That really excites me.”
Last year, Lisa participated in Taskmaster, allowing her to showcase her comedic and theatrical skills. While she enjoys the challenge, she also longs for a substantial role in a television drama. “I would love to do a political whistleblower–spy sort of thing,” she says, referencing Killing Eve. “Something really interests me about that kind of fare.”
Lisa remains hopeful that Australian audiences still appreciate quality television drama despite the popularity of reality shows. “I just love my television,” she smiles.
Steel Magnolias is currently touring Australia. For more information, visit steelmagnoliasplay.com.
