BWW Reviews: STEEL MAGNOLIAS is Southern Classic

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is the kind of script that makes you laugh and cry, no matter what and Montevallo Main Street Players' production is no exception. Well directed by Gwendolyn Treptow, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a familiar, yet always fun, night of theatre.

The first thing I noticed is how detailed the set is. MMSP is known for their well-made sets. The location is of course in a beauty shop in Louisiana and this one is the right blend of "taken-in carport" and Southern charm. All the way down to the magazines and the trash can liners, the whole thing is detailed and spot on.

Overall, the cast is pretty even and I found myself laughing out loud. When the play takes a serious turn, it does so smoothly. The sudden turn back to the humor we Southerners can find in any situation was extremely believable- women laughing together through the tears.

BroadwayWorld.com award winner, Dianna B. Murphree shines on stage as usual. When she tells a story to the other ladies, you feel like you are part of "her" group and she is truly spilling some dirt on people you know. When she cries in Act Two you can't help but tear up with her.

Overall, the pace of the show is good and the action moves well. The only truly awkward moment was when Truvy, played by Ingrid Atkinson-McGraw, goes to give Shelby, played by Danielle Warren, a manicure. The moving of the manicure table and chairs, the way the two actresses are positioned and the reaching around the side of the table for the drawers on the front, really pulled me out of the scene and had me trying to think of how else that scene could have been set, instead of watching the play in front of me.

My only other complaint would be one I have had before with other productions- don't fake a Southern accent! Around here we all have them and we all know what a real one sounds like. We can pick out a phony from 30 rows. Even the people who think they don't have an accent probably do, so just use what you have. I find a fake Southern accent kind of insulting.

Seeing STEEL MAGNOLIAS is like spending the evening with old friends, comfortable and fun. Although it is the perfect ladies' night out, I heard plenty of men laughing too. You have one more weekend to see this fun show, August 14-16. Go to www.montevallomainstreetplayers.com or call 205-665-9207 ext.6 for more information and reservations.

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