Steel Magnolias
Venue : The Dovehouse Theatre
Date : May 2009
Genre : Comedy Drama
Director
Marcus Bridger
Director
Tony Lacey
Assistant Director
Cast
Anne Cherry
Truvy
Kate Brown
Annelle
Val Archer
Clairee
Sarah Thomson
Shelby
Sue George
M Lynn
Estelle Shutkever
Ouiser
Tony Lacey
DJ Voice
Crew
Crew
Production Gallery
Production Reviews
Press Release
Story Overview:
The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy."
Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the headstrong Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life.
The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
Review
Wythall Theatre Company’s latest production of Steel Magnolias perfomed to packed houses. The play, wonderfully directed by Marcus Bridger, follows the lives of the staff and patrons of an American small town salon during the run up to Shelby’s wedding
Beccy Key, Unknown
What our audience said
"Excellent production!" AH
"I have to admit that "Steel Magnolias" isn't really my favourite type of play, but being a good Angel, off I went to the first night to lend support, and I'm so glad I did. Apart from a few dropped cues due to first night nerves, the whole play was wonderful. Great ensemble acting gave the feel of the friendships & rivalries in this important meeting place in this small town. Anne Cherry did exceptionally well in doing all the hairdressing while delivering lines, and special mention must go to Sue George for her heart-rending final speech. I have seen Sue in many shows, and indeed appeared alongside her in several, but this has to be her finest serious role to date.She moved me to tears, and no other actor, amateur or professional has ever done that before in a theatre." AS
"You're right Steel Magnolias was brilliant. Well done to you and all the cast. Don't often get the chance to laugh and cry in one evening!!" MB
"...after seeing your magnificent production of 'Steel Magnolias'... congratulations on a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Your attention to detail as a director led to an excellent performance. I always look 'beyond the action' and I could see a lot of skill went into the directing of that piece. I would like to say that the casting was also excellent - and the two 'new girls' impressed me very much. All the cast, without exception, managed to deliver wonderful characters and very accomplished performances - under the guidance of a talented director (and his assistant, of course!). I must say though, the casting of Val and Estelle in those roles worked really well because they have known each other so long, it wasn't even necessary for them to act that relationship!!" DW
"Steel Mags was SOOOO brilliant." RW
"I thought it was excellent. We both enjoyed it. Anne did a cracking job with the hair. Well impressed!" DS
"Great show." DW
"Well done. Great show." NW
"Well done! It was really good. We enjoyed it very much!" AR
"Well done! It was really fab. Enjoyed it immensely!" KS
"The play was really fabulous - a lovely way to end the week." JC
"Enjoyed it!" LR
"Really enjoyed it, made me laugh and cry - for all the right reasons!" KS
"Steel Magnolias was great - you all did really well ... the play was truly great. I have never seen the film so I knew nothing about it and it was highly entertaining, with some really funny moments and a really emotional ending... cue tissues!!! BP
"A belated congratulations on a very emotive play, I was impressed by the sheer volume of dialogue and praise too for David's hair advice. It must have been difficult to direct, keeping a natural pace going with what is usually a busy environment - I hope you had as much pleasure putting it all together as the audience certainly enjoyed it." SC
"Just a note to say how much we enjoyed your latest production – it was superb and up there with your best. Loved your role (Estelle) and by the end I was nearly crying it was so sad (although I knew the story). Please pass on our congratulations to the cast and crew – a triumph." ID
"Wonderful show, watched the whole play last night. Wonderful cast, great costumes girls!! Yes, you made me cry Sue!! Well done everyone." DW
"Fantastic performances - well done everyone!" BP
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