Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS Shows Style

South City Theatre made a move about a year ago and it was a great one. They left their small space that was out in the middle of nowhere and moved onto busy Highway 31 in Pelham and it has been a real success. Many of their productions have played to sold out houses.

Their latest offering, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, has broken records by being sold out way in advance, including the addition of an extra performance which sold out overnight, according to director Lysa Carter.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a classic and no matter how many times I see it, it makes me laugh out loud as well as get teary eyed. This cast did a good job of stirring up both of those reactions.

The ensemble cast has obviously gotten very close during this experience and it showed onstage. They genuinely seemed to be the kind of friends they portrayed, as close as family and each other's strength.

Each actor is well cast and I saw different sides to some of the characters because of the casting- it was really interesting. Suzee Lee as M'Lynn brings a refinement and calmness to the role that becomes a stark contrast to the explosion of emotion she has near the end of the play.

Tannis McCombs as Truvy does a really good job of being brashly funny without being too over the top and Robin Rushing as Annelle is the perfect blend of naiveté and conviction.

Christie Connolly as Shelby is very perky and energetic, but really shows her acting chops when she has a diabetic seizure. Salena Whalen- Stalker as Clairee is really good, although a bit young for the role. Her quips are some of the best lines of the show. Sharon Morgan as Ouiser is funny and her wardrobe is a show all unto itself.

Ms. Carter did a good job of casting this group and directing them in a way that makes the play fun to watch. While some of the scene changes are too long, the actual play flows well and the movement is clean and interesting. The set is authentic and well used. I especially enjoyed seeing the play in a small theatre, it made all of the emotions more real as the audience felt like part of the discussions.

I won't tempt you anymore because this play is a hard sell out, but I will say that you should go to their website and check out the rest of the South City season before it sells out too. Upcoming shows include ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and DRIVING MISS DAISY, so you won't want to hesitate. Go to www.southcitytheate.com for all of the info.

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