Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias a bitter sweet comedy written by American writer Robert Harling in 1987. It is set at Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana and tells of the bond between a group of friends and how they cope with all the problems that life throws at them. I particularly like the quote regarding the title,  referring to the Magnolia Tree  "female characters are as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel", which sums up these ladies.

This SODS cast follow in the footsteps of many well known actresses in this popular play. Cassandra Fisher is the salon owner Truvy, and she captures  well the character of this caring but brash and forceful woman, determined to ensure the close bond between her friends. Tempany Clements is Annelle, the new trainee in the salon, who is timid and innocent to begin with, but once she finds God her true and caring nature is revealed. Both ladies worked well at delivering their lines whilst busily dressing their ladies’ hair. Well done for that, you both looked very professional.

M’Lynn and Shelby her daughter, played by Jo Chadwick and  Sharon Preece. Sharon certainly showed her determination to overcome  all her problems. The interaction between mother and daughter was touching, and the final speech by M’Lynn was particularly poignant and well delivered.

Karen Long was Clairee, the well to do, ex-Mayoress came across as a particularly strong character who made the most of her circumstances, and Ouiser was the typical Southern Mama;  and Katie Hawkes captured her brusque but caring nature. 

Altogether a well cast and directed production, especially so considering the restraints the pandemic has thrown up and the problems of rehearsing under the current restrictions. The numerous costumes all looked good and I especially liked the old fashioned hair dryers which complemented the set perfectly.

Well done to Craig and all his cast and crew for a good, thought provoking piece of theatre, and leaving many in the audience reaching for their hankies.

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