Robert Harling

CCP shows its strength

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

The title of the play, “Steel Magnolias,” written by Robert Harling based on events in his life, refers to the fact that – as one character remarks – men are expected to be pillars of strength, yet women are like hardy flowers of even stronger mettle.

Carmel Community Players presents a mostly-female production of this Off- and on Broadway hit (also made into a beloved film in 1988), directed by Elizabeth Ruddell.

The action takes place in Chinquapin Parish, northwest Louisiana, but we hear all about it at Truvy’s Beauty Shop. We open on an eventful day: Truvy (Casey Clouser) has just hired young Annelle (Phoebe Aldridge) as assistant beautician, then Shelby (Emily Haus), daughter of M’Lynn (Tanya Haas), one of the shop’s regulars, arrives to prepare for her wedding that day. Clairee (Susan Boilek Smith), the town’s former first lady, arrives from the dedication of the local football field to her late husband. Local curmudgeon Oiser (Gabrielle Patterson) storms in, this time upset at M’Lynn’s husband – who has also annoyed the whole neighborhood with his efforts to scare birds away from the backyard wedding site.

Time advances through more scenes, giving us insight into both the changes in these women’s lives and how their bonds stay strong and true. There is plenty of good humor, with numerous funny lines and zingers like a sitcom, but flowing naturally like true friends talk. There is also a cloud of misfortune that will eventually overtake them, testing their steel. Even if you know this or have seen it before, this cast keeps the feelings raw and real.

Haus presents Shelby in all her stubborn, upbeat, brave glory. Haas epitomizes the hard strength of the title, making it all the more impactful when she reaches her limit. Aldridge charms, taking us on the curious complex arc of sweet Annelle’s many changes, inevitably for the better. Smith gives us someone who knows she’s a VIP but would rather have fun with it than lord it over anyone. Her fierce loyalty to lifelong best friend Oiser says a lot about her character. Speaking of whom, Patterson gives us a force of nature like a Louisiana hurricane, yet always true to the ladies in this circle.

If you haven’t, we highly recommend you also see the movie with its all-star cast, including Dolly Parton as Truvy. Clouser is a living tribute with her accent and blonde wig, while making the character her own. We never forget this is her house, after all.

Other salutes to the film include a Dolly portrait on the wall (her hits play while we wait for the play to start) and Annelle’s cat-eye glasses like Darryl Hannah wore in the role.

Haas is also producer. Other “Magnolias” involved include stage manager Samantha Kelly, lights by Karissa Henschen (with Doug Vann), and sound by Lori Raffel. “Honorary Magnolia” Jason Creighton provides the good-ol’-boy voice on the radio.

Entertaining and emotional, find some Southern charm up north in Carmel. “Steel Magnolias” plays Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 10-13, at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way. Get info and tickets at carmelplayers.org or thecat.biz.

IRT stages solid ‘Steel Magnolias’

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

When the Indiana Repertory Theatre takes on familiar material, there is always an effort to make it fresh. This is especially important when the play has also been a beloved film.

For “Steel Magnolias,” the essence of the story has not changed, but the IRT has brought in the sets and cast from their co-production at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. With unfamiliar faces, it is easier to see them as their characters, and for their part they have had a lot of practice inhabiting them.

If you are unfamiliar with this story, this is an excellent opportunity to discover what millions have enjoyed since it premiered on stage in 1987, and on film in 1989. Robert Harling wrote the play based on events in his own family. “All the characters were based on real people, Mama’s friends,” he said in a 2017 interview. The scenes all take place in the women’s sanctum of Truvy’s Beauty Shop, the main plot centering on young Shelby and her mother, M’Lynn.

Directed by Laura Gordon (who previously worked with IRT on “Boeing Boeing”), the cast are Susan Lynskey as Truvy, the benevolent queen of this domain; Kate Abbruzzese as Shelby, whose fierce spirit strives to compensate for physical frailty; Annie Fitzpatrick as M’Lynn, a loving Mom dealing with the fact her girl inherited her stubbornness; Gina Daniels as Clairee, as close to high society as one gets in small-town Louisiana; Brittany Anikka Liu as Annelle, a young woman with a bad past hoping to build a better future with her faith; and Naomi Jacobson as feisty cantankerous Ouiser, whose rough edges guard a kind heart.  Their polished performances feel genuine, with a relaxed air like we’re all invited guests, or just fellow customers waiting our turn at the beauty chairs.

This show has what recent lingo would call, “all the feels.” There are scenes of rollicking hilarity, with dozens of quotable lines, as well as wells of wet-eyed emotion – sometimes within moments of each other. It is wondrous, charming, cathartic, and uplifting.

One doesn’t have to be from the South to understand the spirit of the play – that women are delicate flowers made of the sturdiest stuff, because they have to be. See it for yourself through June 5 at the IRT, 140 W. Washington St., downtown Indianapolis. For information and tickets, visit irtlive.com.