BWW Reviews: An Eclectic Group of Ladies Share Their Joys and Sorrows in STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Little Fish Theatre

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is centered in a small town beauty shop in Louisiana where social veneers are set aside and women see one another once a week, building relationship and community. Together they revel in one another's joys and face life's bitterness with extraordinary mettle that suits the metaphor in the play's title. "These are ordinary women brought to extraordinary light," notes director James Rice. "Harling's story allows us to see how deep and abiding friendship helps these women, and all of us, to weather the trials of life and to find our place in the world."

Robert Harling based the story on his experience with the death of his sister, a diabetic. As her best friend and closest sibling, Harling found it difficult to cope with her death, and his friends advised him to write about his feelings as a coping method. What began as a short story evolved into a full-length play due to the complexity of the relationships and emotions that existed among the female characters who are "as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel."

Harling felt it important to include the way the characters utilized humor and lighthearted conversations to cope with the seriousness of the underlying situations. And the six incredibly talented women in the Little Fish production bring these characters and their unique senses of humor fully to life moment by moment, each fully engaged with bits of action every second they are onstage. Thanks to Rice's expert, fast pacing, and scenic designer Chris Beyries authentic multi-level set, you will feel you are not just watching a play but you are a fly on the wall in Truvy's beauty parlor, watching the women who regularly gather there to share their lives, loves, and heartache as well as all the town gossip.

The story begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. Daina Baker Bowler's Shelby is a self-centered, spoiled rotten Southern Belle who knows her limits but chooses to ignore them. Thankfully her mother M'Lynn (Amanda Karr) keeps a watchful eye on her beloved daughter, and supports her even when the decisions she makes have dire consequences for both of them. This is what unconditional love is all about and Karr's truthful, emotional breakdown when dealing with the loss of her daughter will rivet your attention and pull at your heartstrings.

There is also a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between classy Clairee (Susie McCarthy, brilliantly delivering the play's best biting one-liners) and the town's curmudgeon Ouiser (Mary-Margaret Lewis); Kristin Towers-Rowles magically transforms Annelle from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl, then to a revival-tent Christian, and finally an expectant mother; and shop owner Truvy (Chiquita Fuller, taking us past her race to the pureness and love in her heart) who listens to all while sharing her frustration with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother, and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama and these six women truly embody their hearts and souls.

At the cast talk back after the show on Sunday, July 7, a woman told the cast, "My brother bought me these tickets and I'm so glad he did. Thank you ladies for an amazing first theatre experience. My life is changed and I will be back." Her comment is a testament to the cast for their remarkable performances, which so honor the joy and importance of live theatre in the world.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling, directed by James Rice, produced by Stephanie Coltrin, featuring Daina Baker Bowler, Chiquita Fuller, Amanda Karr, Mary-Margaret Lewis, Susie McCarthy, and Kristin Towers-Rowles.

Four more performances, Wednesday-Saturday, July 10-13 at 8pm
Little Fish Theatre
777 Centre St, San Pedro, CA 90731
www.littlefishtheatre.org | 310.512.6030 | fax 310.507.0269

Photo credit: Mickey Elliot

Shelby (Daina Baker Bowler), Clairee (Susie McCarthy), Annelle (Kristin Towers-Rowles), Ouiser (Mary- Margaret Lewis) and M'Lynn (Amanda Karr)

Susie McCarthy, Daina Baker Bowler, Kristin Towers-Rowles

Chiquita Fuller and Amanda Karr

Daina Baker Bowler