Steel Magnolias

Postcard review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Steel Magnolias

Playwright – Robert Harling

Production Company/Theatre space – Morpheus Theatre, Joyce Doolittle Theatre, Pumphouse theatres.

Length – 2 ACTS, 2 ½ hours (20-minute intermission)

Genre/s – Dramedy.

Premise – Friendships and friction between 6 southern women in a beauty parlor in 1987.

Why this play? Why now? – This play has name recognition and was a movie with an exceptional ensemble of women. The play also evokes a certain nostalgia but did feel a little soon for the production since Theatre Calgary only did it three years ago.

Curiosities – I wondered why nobody noticed that the shop’s open/close sign was set to “closed” for the whole play. Should Ouiser have makeup and pretty hair? Why use plastic tomatoes and plastic baby’s breath?

Notable Moment – The big monologue in Act Two.

Notable writing – After dropping out of law school, Robert Harling wrote the play in 10 days in response to the loss of his sister. The play has been translated into 17 languages and performed all over the world, who am I to say it could use a little trim? This is a difficult play; it is character (not plot) driven so the relationships between the women are ultimately more important that the action.

Notable performances – There is often a range in talent on community stages, but this was a lovely balanced ensemble. This bouquet of steel magnolias comprises Heather Skulski, Jennifer Andrew, Teresa Byrne, Ali Grams, Marti Ochsner, and Leanne Million. Million as Clairee is as rock solid as a backcombed, 1950’s updo.

Notable design/Production – Hair and Makeup Designer Cat Bentley (whose credits include Hairspray) must have worked hard with the cast to make them passable as 1980s hair stylists.

Notable direction – Director (set designer, props and set dresser) Angela Woodward made a great choice staging it in the Joyce Doolittle Theatre – the smaller space gives us the feeling of being in the a salon with the characters. (At least I hope it was an artistic choice and not a financial one.) Woodward does a cogent job directing the ladies. The only time I was a little distracted was when the busy salon owner deviates from concentrating on her client by taking time to wander away to contribute to the shop chat. The challenge is the big breakdown in Act Two. She wisely kept everyone else still so that the focus was solely on M’Lynn as she transitions from profound sadness to anger. Andrew shines here.

One reason to see this show – Take your girlfriend and book an appointment at Truvy’s Salon.