Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias, the play, predates the movie by some two years. Unlike the movie, the stage version is unified by being set exclusively within Truvy’s beauty salon. With only six female characters, the town and its inhabitants are as vibrant in the imagination as they are on the screen.
It does not feel like these characters were written by a man. They resonate for all women, who, at various stages in their lives, might identify with the youthful optimism of Shelby, the jaded world view of Ouiser, the zeal of Annelle or the fighting spirit of M’Lynn. Robert Harling wrote the play as the result of the loss of his own sister. His empathetic and human touch ensure the script will continue to appeal.
Everything about this production meets and exceeds expectation. The cast is very even. Accents, under the vocal coaching of Lisa Gormley, are consistent and credible. Keep an ear out for the radio playlist and pre and post show soundtrack. It is an homage to Dolly Parton and the hits of the era.
Each character is very clearly defined and well-cast and the acting strong.
Naomi Barry brings a sweetness and vulnerability to Shelby. Charmaine Christian, as Ouiser, is suitably crusty and soft centred. Christian, like Virginia Kamino, as Clairee, demonstrates that there is much to be enjoyed in life as an older single woman. Kamino is a suitably calm and solid presence, a counterpoint to the vibrant and charismatic Truvy, played by Julia Hern. Hern is bubbly and beautiful and the true lynch pin of the play. Melanie Wright gives a suitably ditzy performance as Annelle, who finds her true self in faith and family. Lisette Kendall, as the mother who will do anything for her daughter, knocks the final scene out of the ballpark. I found her performance to be more palpable than that of Sally Field in the movie.
These six performers are quite obviously a team. This is most evident in the management of the stage business. There are many props which must have been a nightmare to accrue as well to manage. Kudos to Stage Manager, Maia Hensley, set dresser, Louella Jury, and team. Julia Hern is able to perform as Truvy and effect a wedding updo and Melanie Wright (Annelle) actually washes the hair of two other performers in view of the audience. The set is attractive but it is a sound directorial choice to have all the action takes place on the lip of the stage in what is an intimate venue. One cannot help but think of the new ruling against beauty salons in Afghanistan and the loss of social networking and support that must mean for women in that country.
Steel Magnolias is a wonderful experience.
Laughter through tears in my favourite emotion. (Truvy Jones)
Anne Blythe-Cooper
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