MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players, Sep 6 to 22

I love any play that involves Pam Shaw Heath, and fortunately for our community, she is directing Ridgedale Players' current production of "Steel Magnolias," a roller-coaster comedy-drama about the lives of women in the deep south. Based on a true story, as experienced by playwright Robert Harling, this story honors his baby sister's struggle and death from diabetes.

Heath has an eye for detail, and no detail was left unchecked. As luck would have it, Heath is a hairdresser, and the play is staged at a small-town beauty parlor in northwest Louisiana. The set has some unique and creative touches, like a Christmas tree decorated with pink sponge hair curlers. The action centers on Truvy's beauty parlour and the women who regularly gather there. The story begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. There is also a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser; Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl and then to a revival-tent Christian; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother M'Lynn, and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

Clairee (Kim Cruchon) wore the perfect Dixie belle attire, and was ravishing at all times. Truvy (Julie Fuller) had divine big hair (they say the bigger the hair, the closer to God). Annelle (Kaitlin Steer) had the mommy-to-be characteristics perfected to a science. Shelby (Amber Filipski) did a marvelous job sporting various hair lengths, signifying different time periods taking place in the drama.

All of the women were masters of disguise; after watching the play, I didn't recognize the real women when they walked in front of me (wearing their normal clothes and hair). Oiser (Laura Kerr) was incredibly transformed from the real actress to stage character.

Suzanne Barcewicz deserves an award for her compelling performance as M'Lynn; she was magnificent. Her emotional outburst in the final scene caused tears all over the audience. Take your Kleenex, you definitely will need some.

The show runs September 6 to 22. For furhter information, kindly visit http://ridgedaleplayers.com/ .

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Community Service Announcement: Cruise for charity fundraiser - sail the Mississippi River round trip from New Orleans, Louisiana, on the all-new Mississippi Queen River Boat. See live, blooming magnolias in Louisiana (late Spring to early Summer) and meet with your friends in the Magnolia Room on the Mississipi Queen. See http://youtu.be/ukmtUYWZGZc for info.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

MAGNOLIAS is MAGNificent at Ridgedale Players. Photo by Dave Scott.

Kaitlin Steer

Amber Filipski

Kim Cruchon

Julie Fuller

Laura Kerr

Suzanne Barcewicz

Bonnie Haines

Pamela Shaw Heath - Director

Tom Arwady - Assistant Director

Tony Kruzman - Stage Manager

Dave Scott - Set Design, Set Construction, Set Decoration, Photography and more