Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias written by Robert Harling and directed by Rebecca Dickinson was another excellent production from Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (CADOS). The story set in the 1980s revolves around six women who meet every Saturday morning at the local Hairdressing and Beauty Salon in Chinqapin, Louisiana, USA, where we are treated to a glimpse of their personal daily lives through some very interesting and in-depth conversations which take place between these good friends. The story begins on the morning of Shelby’s wedding and follows the lives of the women over a number of years.
The ensemble cast of six talented women importantly worked very well together as a team producing outstanding performances for our enjoyment, they included Cassandra Moon as Truvy the owner of the Salon, Kate Burke as Truvy's timid assistant Annelle ,Renée Clitheroe as Clairee, Joanna Robinson as Shelby, Diane Glover as Shelby’s mother M'Lynn  and last but definitely not least we have the very funny Susan Hilton as Ouiser. Their Louisiana accents were excellent and were maintained throughout the performance , also diction was very clear enabling the audience to follow the action at all times, the pace was spot-on and comedic lines were delivered with lovely comic timing meaning the cast held the audience’s attention throughout. I was very impressed with Cassandra’s and Kate’s hairdressing skills as both managed to actually style and set hair while delivering and remembering large sections of the script. Steel Magnolias is a funny and yet poignant and thought provoking play and the audience are able to experience the highs and lows of life through these six exceptional women.
Costumes were just right for the period and added to the production and once again the stage crew, props, lighting and set builders produced an excellent set with authentic hair wash-basins, complete with running water, hairdryers and all the equipment needed for us to believe we were in a 1980s Hairdressing Salon which made a wonderful platform for the cast to work and perform on.
Congratulations on a very successful production to Rebecca Dickinson, Assistant Director Barbara Wilcox, Producer Mark Jones and everyone involved in bringing this lovely play to the stage. My friend and I had a very enjoyable evening thank you for inviting us. I look forward to seeing you for your next production
 

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