Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias was beautiful.

Steel Magnolias, a play written by Robert Harling, follows six women in a Louisiana-based beauty salon finding friendship and support amid personal life struggles and challenges. Originally written by the author as a way to cope with the loss of his sister from Type 1 Diabetes, Gold Coast Little Theatre did a fantastic job of bringing to life such a heart-wrenching yet brilliant story.

The play follows six Southern women in the local beauty salon on four poignant days in their lives;  M’Lynn Eatenton, played by Corrinne Le Claire; Shelby Eatenton, performed by Olivia French; Truvy Jones portrayed by Katie Stargazer; Tianna Paget, who played Anelle Dupuy-Desoto; Laney McLean as Claire Belcher; and Kate Peters as Ouiser Boudreaux.

This play was brilliantly cast by director Tony Campbell. Each actress suited their role so perfectly, and the chemistry between each character was palpable. It was evident that these women had become as close friends as their characters. Campbell did well in the handling of health concerns and pregnancy, a true testament to the original source material. Robert Harling would be proud of how well this show dealt with a topic so close to his heart.

The Southern accents are just incredible. The actors did a fabulous job in perfecting this unique way of speaking, and it truly immerses audiences in the southern land of America. Furthermore, audiences were transported even more to the Southern lands of America through the stunning set design. Beautifully designed, beautifully set up. The set was cozy yet fun, and it very much felt like both a safe haven for women in the town, and the cute local beauty salon that everyone loves in a small town. And the working wash basin was a very cool edition to the set! Well done to Lawrie Esmond for constructing such a beautiful set, and to Ann-Britt Riget, Andrew Kassab and Lawrie Esmond for such incredible work in the set designing and set dressing. Just fantastic.

Costumes by Katie Stargazer are just beautiful! Everything is so bright and fun, just like the set. You couldn’t take your eyes off their clothes. Each outfit was indicative of the character’s personality; dark colours for when Annelle was new and shy, pink colours to highlight Shelby’s joyful youth, and of course, being her favourite colour.

Lighting was brilliant, the brightness really sets the atmosphere of the salon as an open and welcoming place to come and talk. Sound, unfortunately at times, was a bit quiet and some dialogue was lost, however, this did not take away from the amazingness of the acting. Olivia French especially did a fabulous job with her projection. Every line was heard, and everything she said came across filled with passion. It was beautiful.

Tianna Paget is just a joy to watch. She portrayed the nervous newcomer who grew her wings and blossomed, was just beautiful. Her character felt so real and one you could easily connect to. Almost like the audience link to the story. Like Annelle, we all must learn who we are and grow into that person.

Kate Peters as Ouiser was just hilarious! Her dry humour was perfect, and when you got to see Ouiser’s sweet and sympathetic side, it was so excellently portrayed. As for Laney McLean, she was incredible as Clairee. So sweet and headstrong all at once, yet hilarious, she portrayed the elderly former First Lady fantastically. Katie Stargazer is amazing and draws all the attention with her vibrant, lively character, an excellent portrayal of how passionate Southern women can be.