Steel Magnolias
Reviewed by Terry Morgan
Actors Co-op Theatre Company
Through May 5
RECOMMENDED
Watching this excellent current revival of Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias at Actors Co-op, I was reminded yet again of the power of a strong ensemble. Solo shows and two-handers certainly have their place, but there is something about the interaction among a group of talented actors, where many things combine to become one greater thing, that seems to me to be the very heart of whatever magic theater creates. That magic is on full display in this new production of Magnolias, which is undeniably enjoyable and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
In 1987 Chinquapin, Louisiana, they’re preparing for a big day at Truvy’s (Nan McNamara) hair salon. Shelby (Ivy Beech), the daughter of M’Lynn (Treva Tegtmeier), is having her wedding later in the day, and mother and daughter are getting styled for the event. The kind and witty Clairee (Lori Berg) is being helpful and supportive, while the cantankerous Ouiser (Deborah Marlowe) is consumed with irritation at M’Lynn’s gun-happy husband. New salon hire Annelle (Heidi Palomino) is just trying to keep her head down amidst the excitement. During the next several years, the bond between these women will be tested in ways they don’t yet expect.
McNamara is winning and hilarious as Truvy, delivering the show’s funniest lines and making the most out of them. I’ve mostly seen her amazing work in dramatic roles, but this performance proves she’s equally gifted at comedy. Tegtmeier excels as concerned and controlling mother M’Lynn, hitting just the right notes throughout. Beech does great work as Shelby, particularly in her relationship with M’Lynn, and as Clairee, Berg is a model of wry humor and compassion. Marlowe brings the blunt rude bluster of Ouiser to amusing life, and Palomino is terrific as Annelle, charting the transition from nervous newbie to serene veteran with evident skill.
Director Cameron Watson stages the show with such talent that it seems seamless and effortless. Stephen Gifford’s bi-level salon set is so realistic one feels one could just sit down in one of the chairs and gets one’s hair done. Terri A. Lewis’s costumes are both flamboyant and appropriate. I already knew Harling’s play was entertaining and moving, but I’d forgotten just how clever a lot of the dialogue is; any play that can drop in “Empty is the head that wears the crown” to describe a pageant winner is working with an excess of riches.
So I’d recommend this superb revival of Steel Magnolias, and I’d advise buying tickets soon, because if I’m any judge, this production will sell out.
Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood); Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.; through May 5. www.ActorsCo-op.org. Running time: approximately two hours with one intermission.
