Steel Magnolias

With its story of strong women and their support for one another through the good and bad times, Steel Magnolias could well have been written much more recently, but Robert Harding wrote the play in 1987. He based it on his own experiences and the loss of his sister Susan. It is in essence a true story.

The play had it’s premiere at the WPA Theatre, off Broadway, in March 1987 and made its Broadway debut at the Lyceum Theatre in April 2005.

Your set was most attractive and the stage nicely furnished to create the ambience of a cosy beauty salon, one where the ladies could go to catch up on the happenings in their lives and exchange gossip – a women-only space where they could discuss absolutely anything ---- and they did.

The owner of the Salon, Truvy, is an outspoken, wisecracking woman, definitely the leader of the group and Karen Mc Gregor played the part strongly.

Annelle is her new assistant and Nicola Lovegrove gently portrayed a diffident, anxious young woman, unused to the familiarity between the confident clients. However she soon became an integral part of the group and particularly gained in confidence when she became involved in the Church.

Vicki Prince gave her usual accomplished performance and made an elegant Clairee, widow of the former mayor of Chinquapin. Her diction is second to none which is so important, especially when there is an accent involved and I didn’t miss a single word!

The grumpy Miss Ouiser, clearly the local grouch, was played splendidly by Ali Johnston-Ralph. it was difficult to imagine what treatment she could possibly be interested in as she was clearly without any interest in femininity. Ali’s voice projection is also excellent.

Lianne Dempsey played M’Lynne convincingly – comedic roles suit her so well. She made a rather defiant mother - but also displayed her concern for the health of her diabetic daughter. In the second scene of Act Two, when she is overcome with grief, I had to get out my handkerchief, she was utterly convincing.

Her daughter Shelby, played by Savanna Jacobsz, was the youngest member of the group but was very much accepted as part of it and nothing was taboo at their meetings. Savanna acted the role well.

The ladies all achieved a very passable Southern drawl and maintained it throughout the play. Occasionally some lines were lost as voices dropped but generally speaking the dialogue came across very well.

Costumes were suitable for the period although Annelle would have worn a less fitting dress. In the 80’s women wore maternity frocks to hide their bump and not to accentuate it.

‘Steel Magnolias’ is a story full of wit and warmth, but also love and resilience in the wake of tragedy. It was brought to life splendidly by the ladies on stage.

Sometimes it works well if the audience (out front) are used as the 'mirrors'. This means that the lines can be spoken out to the front, as though looking into the mirror to talk to the client (which is the usual way of conversation in a hair salon). The client can then be a little more involved.

Lighting was ideal and the back projection on the cyclorama looked most realistic. 

Stage crew worked quickly and quietly and the sound effects were good.  I also loved the choice of country and western style music in the production. 

Suzi Dawes did very well in her directorial debut and must be very pleased with the results of her and her cast’s hard work.

Your programme is attractive, of good quality and interesting to read.

It really was a most enjoyable evening. Thank you for inviting me to see the play and my thanks to David for his hospitality on the evening.

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