Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias, Robert Harling’s dramatic tribute to the strength of women in the Southern United States, is somewhat of a modern classic. Garrick Theatre’s latest production is a warm, feel-good production, with a lovely ensemble cast.

Ali McNamara’s set design nicely evokes Truvy’s enclosed garage beauty parlour, the site of all the action over a two-and-a-half-year period during the 1980s, supported by sympathetic sound and lighting by Geoff Holt. Costumes by Carly Ranger, Maggie Adams and cast are generally very good, sympathetic to both character and era, although I questioned the choice to have Osier’s first appearance be in a “nice dress” when so much can be said about Ouiser with costume.

Lea McCall, in what I believe is her first appearance in Perth, has a long history with this play having played Clairee in Albany and directing the show in Northam. A great sense of control and ownership of the space, she was a delight to watch, with outstanding non-verbals. Her assistant, new-to-town Annelle, was sweetly played by Allison Sermon, giving her character a lovely arc.

Catalyst character Shelby Eatonton-Latcherie was superbly played by Grainne Kennedy - another sign that young Irish doctors are not only a boon to our health system but are making a great impact on our community theatre scene - especially at Garrick - a superb and beautifully acted performance. Sally Forbes played her mother M’Lynn, doing particularly well with M’Lynn’s tragic monologue.

Heather Marshall was elegant and sincere as widowed Claire Belcher, while Kylie Calwell stole scenes with her loveably rough-as-guts interpretation of Ouiser.

While the action ran fairly smoothly on stage, the scene changes were a little laborious. The radio announcements should bridge and cover the scene changes, rather than start the scene. 

Always a fun show. Steel Magnolias runs for one final weekend. 

Kimberley Shaw