Actress 'sparkles' as Margaret Mitchell

Mandi Lee was born to play this part.

The 22-year-old from Duluth is playing the title role in "Mrs. John Marsh — The World Knew Her as Margaret Mitchell," the one-woman play being performed at the Ansley Park Playhouse in Atlanta.

She will play the role of the "Gone With the Wind" author through Mitchell's early adult life.

It is the first professional theatrical performance for Lee, a graduate of Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn and the Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts in St. Louis, Mo.

Lee has been a fan of "Gone With the Wind" ever since her first birthday when she received Madame Alexander Scarlett, Rhett, Mammy and Bonnie Blue Butler dolls as a gift from her aunt.

She doesn't remember a year going by without watching the film at least once, probably because she feels a connection with the character Scarlett. 

"She does things on her own and unexpectedly," Lee said. "Scarlett chose things that went against the grain and was independent. I chose to go far away from school and chose a career that wouldn't guarantee making a whole lot of money, so I gain a sense of Scarlett's personality, and Margaret Mitchell has that, too."

"She just sparkles on stage," said Melita Easters, the producer and writer of the play. "She has a real energy and a great ability to show a wide range of emotions, which is very important for this role because in the play, it has two acts. It takes Margaret Mitchell from the age of 19 to the age of 49, and Mandi tackles the role with great gusto.”

The play unfolds the inspiring story before and after Mitchell became famous from "Gone With the Wind," which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year since its 1936 publication. From the socialite's abusive first marriage to making it on her own in society, the performance has been so well-received that its Ansley Park run has been extended until the end of the month.

Lee was chosen just three weeks ago for the part of Mitchell. Since then, she's had to memorize the 60-page dialogue for the 90-minute one-woman show.  

"It's nerve-racking since this is my first professional role out of college," said Lee. "But it's an honor to be chosen to play this part."

The play, which has been running since June but by another actress, is running this weekend and next, and has the possibility of another extension in August.

With Lee performing, the play is also slated to perform at The Cloister at Sea Island in August and for a benefit in Savannah in September.  

"Mrs. John Marsh--The World Knew Her as Margaret Mitchell" will take place at Ansley Park Playhouse at 1545 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga., 30309. The remaining performances dates are: Saturday, July 23, 2 p.m.; Friday, July 29, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission. Click here for more ticket information and here for more information on the performance.