Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS Delivers Emotion

No, you aren't rereading an old review and yes, I am reviewing a production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS for the third time in less than a year. Being a theatre nerd, I actually enjoy getting to see how different actors portray the same role and how different directors handle the same show. This has been an unusual circumstance to be able to see the same show three times within such a short time frame.

That being said, I do wish the theatre community would look out for what other nearby theatres are doing and not schedule the same shows. I guess in reality, I might be the only person going to so many different theatres in different areas of town and maybe it isn't an issue to anyone but me, in which case- never mind.

Theatre Downtown's production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a nice rendition of the beloved story. Daniel Martin did an excellent job of laying out Truvy's Beauty Shop so that the blocking flowed naturally, while keeping the view interesting, clear and clean. When I walked in and saw the set, I immediately knew he had figured out the best plan I had seen so far.

Brooke Wood as Truvy handles her part with just the right amount of sass and down to earth realism. Penny Thomas as M'Lynn is also a good blend of a caring, yet agitated wife and mother. It was nice to finally see Ms. Thomas in one fully realized role instead of the multi character parts I have seen her in before.

Kelsey Crawford as Shelby gives my favorite performance. Sweet and friendly, yet determined to live life on her own terms, Ms. Crawford makes the perfect Shelby.

The cast is rounded out by Leah Karol as Annelle, Donna Littlepage as Ouiser and Marva Douglas as Clairee.

As always, the script is funny and touching. After seeing it so much recently, I felt I could say the lines along with the cast and yet, I still got teary eyed in a couple of new places. I do wish some of the timing had been a little better last night.

If you haven't seen this classic, don't miss this chance. Since everyone has just done it, it might be awhile before you get the opportunity again.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is at Theatre Downtown Thursdays- Saturdays at 8pm starting April 28-May 14. A great idea is the special Mother's Day matinee on Sunday, May 8 at 2pm. Call 205-565-8838 or go to www.theatredowntown.org for information and tickets.

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