Steel Magnolias

The lights dim, the air conditioning cools, and the previews begin. But you’re not at the movies, this is Villanova Players’ first production of the year and before it even begins, the audience is captivated. Brisbane by Matthew Ryan, The Madwoman of Chaillot, High Society, the entire 2018 season has been compiled into individual trailers. All that’s missing is the popcorn.

When the lights go up on Steel Magnolias, there is already a buzz in the audience. What a way to start the year and encourage a following!

Since Dolly Parton, Sally Field and Julia Roberts headlined the film in the 1980s, Steel Magnolias - the story of a group of women who live, love, gossip and grieve together in or around the precinct of Truvy’s Beauty Spot - has been part of the female lexicon.

While it is true all six women in this production do become “Steel Magnolias”, the first act is a very slow reveal. Beside character introductions and, well, gossiping in a beauty shop, not much happens and you are not drawn into the drama until Act 2, but then it takes less than a minute, with no words spoken, just a simple slide show prepared by Jackie McCarthy and Louella Baldwin, and the audience is hooked.

The staging is simple, a 1980s hair salon complete with hair dryers and big hair posters. Video imaging takes the audience outside when required. The drama is paired neatly with music from the era, from Single Bullet Theory to Hawaii Five-O. It is true that nothing about the 80s was muted but the sound effects in this production could be turned down just a dash.

Everyone has a pivotal moment where their individual strengths shine, both as characters and actors, however Jane Sizer and Louella Baldwin have standout performances.

Sizer as the “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 20 years” Ouiser is a treat in every scene, and there is one vegetable I haven’t been able to look at without laughing since seeing the show.

Baldwin gives us an endearing Shelby. Fiona Kennedy as M’Lynn delivers her pivotal scene with sensitivity and raw emotion. And just as Helen Ekundayo’s dour disposition as Clairee seems set in stone, she flings Ouiser across the salon and shocks us all.

There is room for Jacqueline Kerr and Issy Mowen to build their rapport on stage and help lift that first act but they both deliver solid performances as the salon owner Truvy and her newest staffer, Annelle.

Elizabeth Morris is celebrating 40 years with Villanova Players by making her solo directorial debut with Steel Magnolias. This is a commendable first production and a perfect fit for the Villanova audience.

Debra Bela