By Shirley Lorraine –
It is 1987 in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Spring. Six Southern ladies gather in Truvy Jones’ hair salon, where they share laughs, life lessons, gossip, disappointments and grief.
The play, by Robert Harling, began as a short story, capturing a sad time when Harling’s sister became ill and passed away. Telling the story was cathartic for Harling. The story grew as the characters became integral to the myriad feelings swirling about and around the situation. Since then, it has been published as a book and became a popular film in 1989 with a star-studded cast.
Harling’s characters are sweet and sassy, displaying charm, heart and the true sanctity of close friendships. They are based in part on Harling’s actual mother and her friends who were crucial in her time of need.
The play is filled with wit and good old Southern wisdom throughout. The cast offers an excellent study in individual characterizations, diction and professionalism. Guided by the experienced directorial hand of Jolyn Johnson, the pace is nearly perfect. Many productions that offer the quantity of memorable witticisms this one does seem rushed, with lines overlapping laughs. Not so here. Pacing and delivery timing is impeccable. Each line gets its deserved response before moving on. Well done.
Shop owner and hair stylist extraordinaire Truvy Jones is played with confidence and flair by Claudia Stone-Sheppard. Truvy’s warmth, which she shares freely, is evident. Taking on a newcomer to town, Annelle (Luca Nicoletti), Truvy and the others are ultimately able to give Annelle a new lease on life.
Victoria McGee plays Clairee, a long-time patron and member of the Saturday morning regulars. A recent widow, Clairee relies on the circle of friends for moral support.
M’Lynn (Dana Marley-Kolb) is abuzz as her daughter Shelby (Mars Fuller) is in the salon today for her wedding coiffure. Shelby has Type I diabetes, which causes M’Lynn a great deal of concern as they discuss the couple’s future.
Theresa Secor brings a solid characterization to the role of Ouiser Boudreaux, a colorful, bold and outspoken stalwart of the community. She delivers periodic biting zingers of truth with impunity.
Each of the characters are delightful to watch as they weave their stories, pulling the audience into the bigger picture with ease.
Act I introduces each ladies’ personality, just enough background to add color, and the kind of lives they lead. Act II, 18 months after the wedding, culminates in showing the closeness they share as they navigate through troubled times.
The story is handled with care, compassion and comedy, to highlight the positive aspects of each ladies’ existence. Many in the audience exited the theater with a tear in their eyes and a smile on their lips.
This production of Steel Magnolias is extraordinary. Try and catch it.
Steel Magnolias runs through Saturday, August 29 with performances Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., and two 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, August 22 and 29. www.ConejoPlayers.org or 805-495-3715.
