Steel Magnolias

Set in Truvy’s Beauty Salon, northwest Louisiana, Steel Magnolias was written in 1987 by Robert Harling, based on his experience with his sister's death due to diabetic complications. Thirty years later it is a play that still touches audiences with its warm characters and his portrayal of a group of strong, determined women and how they support each other through tragedy.

With no scene changes other than the passing of time and just six leading ladies in the cast, you have to be very sure that you have no weak links when undertaking this play.  Luckily there were none in this production and the Limelight Players managed to find six amazing actors to fill the roles.

Lovable Truvy who is the glue that holds them all together; Annelle, who grows in confidence; Self-assured Clairee offering some light relief in the darker moments; Ouiser  with lots of dry humour and knock out one liners; Shelby full of life and promise; and  M’Lynn who starts off as quite unassuming at first as the doting mother of Shelby.  All of the characters were beautifully crafted by this talented cast.

M’Lynn’s heartfelt, climactic monologue in Act 2 was electrifying.  She took us all on her journey of utter devastation at the loss of her daughter, but also showed the real dignity and strength of the character. 

They all coped well with the southern accent and had obviously reaped the benefits of having both an accent coach and voice coach.

The set was well designed and built, with some small changes in props by the cast to show the passing of time. Director, Adela Forestier-Walker brought everything together well to give us a play full of warmth, humour and love.

Anyone who did not manage to get a ticket for this production has missed an absolute treat. It was a superb piece of theatre that everyone involved should feel very proud of. Congratulations to everyone involved.

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