Steel Magnolias: a love letter to women
By Paul Atreides
Author, Playwright, and Theatre Critic at EatMoreArtVegas.compaul-atreides.com
Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT) honors Women’s History Month with a production of Steel Magnolias, Robert Harling’s love letter to the women of his family: genteel southern ladies who could be as delicate as the fragrant flower but hard as steel when faced with adversity. Since its Off-Broadway debut in 1987, the play has transferred to Broadway, been produced all over the world, and been adapted to film for both the big screen and little screen.
Michael Sullivan makes his LVLT directorial debut with this and has assembled a very capable cast. There’s not a weak one in the bunch. With few exceptions, the comedy and drama are handled well.
At the opening, Courtney Sheets brings us an irascible Truvy, the owner of Truvy’s Beauty Spot, the beauty salon attached to her home where all the action takes place. Sheets is in fine form, sassy and funny and able to hold the band of women together with a well-timed quip or hug.
When April Sauline wanders in as the down-and-out frumpy outsider, Annelle, looking for work, there is a sense of desperation about her. Annelle is lost and not sure where she belongs, or if she belongs. Told at the opening, “There’s no such thing as natural beauty,” Sauline shows the progression from mousy to confident in her every movement.
Holly Shafer plays Shelby, who is battling Type 1 diabetes and is the story's driving force. There were many times when she paused and appeared to have forgotten a line. It’s the body language to telegraph the internal emotion missing in those momentary lapses. Her mother, M’Lynn, is played by Lindsay Wray to good effect.
Though Sherry Brewer’s portrayal of the curmudgeonly Ouiser is a bit over the top, she delivers the energy and sass expected from this character. Given such a memorable performance in the film by Shirley MacLaine, it’s a tough role to claim as your own, but Brewer manages to do it.
Linda Woodson brings a natural style and grace to the role of Clairee, the widow of the town’s mayor. Woodson navigates the stage with the innate elegance required by Clairee’s stature, delivering dialogue as if the words just popped into her head.
Ron Linblom’s set is another winner, dressed by Michael Blair with all the expected accoutrements. The fully operational salon fronts a living area of Truvy’s home, and a front porch that provides entrances to both. Despite a few missed cues, Ginny Adams’ lighting design brings the focus where it needs to be.
There’s a scene with fireworks sound effects so loud the actors can’t overcome them. Yet, overall, the production does justice, as director Michael Sullivan puts it in his program notes, “in honoring the ‘Steel Magnolias’ who have graced our own lives.” Go and honor yours.
Special Note: Please remember that LVLT has permanently changed its evening performance curtain time to 7 p.m.
What: Steel Magnolias
When: 7 p.m. Friday to Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays through March 23
2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 and 22
Where: Las Vegas Little Theatre - Mainstage, 3920 Schiff Drive
Tickets: $35 (702-362-7996; www.lvlt.org)
Grade: **** Scrumptious
Producer: Las Vegas Little Theatre; Director: Michael Sullivan; Set Design: Ron Lindblom; Lighting Design: Ginny Adams; Costumes: Julie Horton, Bailey Parcells; Sound Design: Lisa Tollefson; Stage Manager: Christy Cunningham
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