The Guild’s production of Steel Magnolias reminds us of the importance of keeping these strong relationships for support, humour, and love.
Alethea Mouhtouris
3.5 Stars
Venue: Guild Theatre
Rockdale
Dates: Until November 28th
Set in a beauty salon in the late 1980s, Steel Magnolias focuses on the close bond between six feisty women from America’s south – capturing their gossipy and intimate conversations during their regular Saturday morning beauty routines.
The 1989 film, based on the play, was a major hit. Starring Shirley Maclaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, and Dolly Parton – and the luminous Julia Roberts as Shelby – it’s inevitable that some cast comparison will be made. These were big shoes to fill and it’s pleasing to say the Guild Theatre cast members hold their own.
At the heart of Steel Magnolias is Shelby, played by Grace Johnson. Johnson is a warm and delightful Shelby, growing from sweet bride-to-be to confident newlywed and finally, young mother. It would be easy to play Shelby as one dimensional, but Johnson masterfully evolves her character over the play’s timeline.
Playing her mother M’Lynn is Guild faithful, Christiane Brawley. Brawley brings elements of iron spine and restraint to M’Lynn’s very Southern matriarch. The character’s conflicting emotions are evident in both Brawley’s expressions and the way she holds herself.
Mel Day brings heart and warmth to salon owner Truvy while Evelyn Georgia skilfully shows Annelle’s transition from a naïve and fragile young woman to one who is self-assured and confident in her born-again religion.
Lyn Lee is Ouiser, the town’s sharp-tongued curmudgeon. Lee skillfully balances Ouiser’s crankiness with heart, particularly when it comes to Shelby. Lee’s face visibly softens when she sees Shelby, her arms open to hug the young woman even while she’s hurling abrasive one-liners at the others, particularly Clairee (played by Margaret Short). Short is terrific as Clairee. She inhabits the role of the former mayor’s widow, showing authority, and through her positioning on stage, sets herself a little apart from the others. Short executes her character’s zinger lines with wonderful comedic timing. She is also helped by the sharp outfits she wears.
Every cast member carries their role beautifully, delivering clever quips that had the audience bursting out with laughter. The Southern accent isn’t the easiest to replicate but it bears up very well in this production. The signature scene at the end (no spoilers but bring the tissues) had some audience members in tears – and that’s no mean feat.
Costume designers Coralie Broadhurst and Anne Petre-Black are to be commended for their work on this production. Clairee’s stylish costumes were spot-on. The black and white polka dot with red belt (so reminiscent of the 80s for those of us who were there) was a standout.
Shelby’s outfits perfectly highlight her evolution – soft pinks at the beginning to almost-crimson by the end – a blossoming of sorts.
The set design was also superb, from the salon’s teal and soft pink colours to the magnolia branches through the window which changed to reflect the passing of time. The addition of hair style posters was an excellent touch. I’m sure I recognised some of those models!
Director Sue Bunt has created magic with this show. In particular, Bunt’s deft direction ensures all six characters are positioned well across the stage, giving each one the space to flex and grow and hold their own space.
This cast has a genuine chemistry; they drape their arms around shoulders, lean into each other, grin and nudge each other while other characters are bickering – just as close friends do. It’s not all sunshine and roses though – there’s yelling and throwing of insults – but each cast member portrays these emotions with an unmistakable undercurrent of affection.
There’s something special about a tightly knit group of women who hold each other up through good times and bad – who find a reason to laugh in every situation, no matter how devastating. The Guild’s production of Steel Magnolias reminds us of the importance of keeping these strong relationships for support, humour, and love.
Alethea Mouhtouris, Theatre Now
