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| Playwright Robert Harling. |
Steel Magnolias
Written by Robert Harling
Directed by Dan Welch
Directed by Dan Welch
A review by Kate
Barry
Entire contents
are copyright © 2013 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
The bond between friends is a truly
powerful thing. This is the very core of the classic comedy Steel Magnolias. The most important
ingredient in putting on a production of Steel
Magnolias is carefully crafting chemistry among six women who are very
different but very much the same. If you make this happen, then the production
is a success. Coffee Cup Theater Company’s modest production of this Southern
comedy, which opened last weekend, successfully displays the friendship among
these women.
If you have never seen the film
adaptation or you are just not familiar with the story at all, it’s rather easy
to grasp. Truvy is a hair stylist in a Louisiana town, and everyone from the
former Mayor’s wife to the new girl in town trundles through with the latest
gossip, complaints and praises. As Truvy, Debbie Smith is personable, congenial
and caring. Even though Smith labels herself as a “newby” to acting in her
program notes, she carries herself with a strong, energetic presence that
matches any stage veteran. Truvy’s new hire is Annelle, played by Victoria
Barnes. Sweet and soft spoken, Barnes’ strength comes through in Annelle’s
seemingly innocent yet sometimes naïve desire to help people whom she loves no
matter how reluctant they are to accept it, especially Ouiser, played by Carol
Williams. As Ouiser, Williams is perfect as the stubborn biddy with a dog that
is trained to kill. In this performance, she raises the bar to a high standard
for her fellow actresses to reach. Lydia Kennebrew is Clairee Belcher, a woman
in the midst of change within her personal and political life, and this actress
provides a calming and mature presence in the play.
The action in Truvy’s parlor buzzes
around mother and daughter, Shelby and M’Lynn, played by Jacquelyn Bryant and
Kristy Calman. Bickering over petty things, passively arguing over hairstyles
and colors for a wedding, Bryant and Calman successfully create relatable and
realistic familial squabbles. There are two very important scenes involving
Shelby and M’Lynn that mold their relationship as well as the mood of the play.
In Act One, Shelby’s profound vulnerability to diabetes creates a tense tone.
Bryant’s portrayal of nearly reaching a seizure-like convulsion was quick to
start and end. As the character is stubborn about her illness, Bryant appeared
to quickly forget about the pain she just went through. Later in the play, as
M’Lynn is suffering loss, Calman jumps into feelings of highs and lows even
though more careful emotional transitions would have played nicely in her time
of mourning.
The production is currently playing in
the Rudyard Kipling’s performance space, and one suggestion for the Rud’s wait
staff might be to refrain from bringing any food or bills to tables while the
actors are on stage, as it draws attention away from the play. Additionally,
resources may be limited, but I suggest a stage hand or stage manager for the
Coffee Cup Theater to help provide a smooth transition between scenes, cues and
other technical aspects as well.
All things considered, this production
of Steel Magnolias succeeds in
delivering the major themes of love and friendship among women. The Rudyard
Kipling's small, intimate performance space works in this production’s favor as
well. Everything, from the smells of nail polish and hairspray to watching the
intricate twisting and curling of Shelby’s bridal hairdo, matches the action in
a salon and the trust that goes along with it.
Steel Magnolias
June 6-8 and 13-15
Coffee Cup Theater Company
at The Rudyard Kipling
422 West Oak Street
502-299-8501
www.coffeecuptheatercompany.org
Coffee Cup Theater Company
at The Rudyard Kipling
422 West Oak Street
502-299-8501
www.coffeecuptheatercompany.org
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