by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
What: Steel Magnolias
When: September 5th- October 7th
Where: Alhambra Dinner Theatre
If a movie or stage production is the slightest bit sad, I’m bound to cry big fat tears. I’ve seen Steel Magnolias a number of different times, staged by different theatres, so I really should’ve brought a supply of tissues. There’s no shame in sobbing at the heart-wrenching parts, as long as you’re quiet about it. It wasn’t just me. At the next table, tears flowed freely, and, when I managed to wipe away my tears so I could see, most of the audience was in much the same state.
When I’ve gone to see this show on other stages, I generally have a favorite out of the six women on the stage. This time, I couldn’t pick a favorite. These ladies worked as a true ensemble. I thought they could have worked the humor aspect a little more than they did, but I think they were still feeling out how the comedy would play to an audience, and it will be tighter by their second night. It’s a difficult line to tread, this “laughter through tears.”
Steel Magnolias was written by Robert Harling, who based it on his own life, and his sister’s death. He later adapted the play into the 1989 movie, starring Sally Fields and Julia Roberts.
The plot, for the unfamiliar, centers around M’lynn and her grown daughter Shelby. The action opens at Truvy Jones’ home beauty salon, where Shelby is getting her hair done for her wedding. We follow the lives of all the women over about two years, using the cathartic setting of the beauty salon to magnify the women’s relationships and lives. Despite medical problems relating to diabetes, Shelby ultimately decides to have a child, even though it puts her own life in danger. Truvy, the hairdresser, takes in Annelle as a junior hairdresser, just when Annelle’s life is on the rocks. Clairee is dealing with her husband’s death and what to do afterwards.
Emily Tello plays the spunky and cheerful Shelby with verve and believability. Tello fills the role with a bighearted Southern sassiness. Those who are a fan of Emily’s, or those who frequent the Alhambra, will recognize her from her last major role as Sandy in Grease!
With an every-mom sensibility, Lisa Valdini takes on the role of M’lynn. M’lynn has trouble accepting her daughter’s decision to have a child. The relationship between M’lynn and Shelby is one that most women can relate to.
The play opens with Truvy Jones, played by Patti Eyler, a local favorite on stage. Truvy is auditioning Annelle (Evelyn Gaynor) played with a brilliant nerdy idiocy in the first few scenes. Annelle is a favorite character of mine to watch when the dialogue is focusing on other characters, and Gaynor made it worth my while.
Lisa Clarson plays Ousier with a cantankerous warmth, as befits the part. Mostly, Ousier complains about her neighbors, tourists and whatever else she can find, but she’s a solid part of the group, firmly friends with all the other women.
Candace Cooke takes on the role of Clairee, the widow of the mayor. She tosses off her best lines with relish, and appears to enjoy her own life as well, even as she faces the reality of growing old without her husband by her side.
Steel Magnolias will be running from September 5th- October 7th at the Alhambra. If you haven’t been before, know that you should come hungry, as it’s an Equity Actor’s dinner theatre. Call 641-1212 or 1-800-688-7469 for tickets.
My advice to the ladies: don’t wear mascara and bring tissues.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
