REVIEW: Dramatic License Productions Presents STEEL MAGNOLIAS at the Artopolis in Chesterfield Mall

I'm encouraged by the recent trend of malls offering up empty retail space to the artistic community. If there's one thing that theatre groups often lack it's a decent performance space, and these type of ventures, like the ArtSpace at Crestwood Court, provide them with an opportunity to bring their talents to the masses. Dramatic License Productions makes their debut in the "Artopolis" at Chesterfield Mall with a pleasant and emotionally affecting staging of Robert Harling's Southern-fried comedy-drama Steel Magnolias (February 4 - 20).

The action centers around the goings on at Truvy's beauty parlor, where the regulars meet to dish the latest dirt. The play starts on the eve of Shelby Eatenton's upcoming nuptials, and continues through to her risky decision to bear a child despite having Type 1 diabetes, and the drama that ensues.

Laurie McConnell is sharp at Truvy, always willing to take in a stray to help the cause, and always on hand to encourage her friends in their own peculiarities. Colleen Backer brings her own unique charms and sense of humor to the part of the stray that Truvy brings in, Annelle. Backer amuses greatly as her shy and reserved character opens up under Truvy and the girls' influence. Sally Eaton and Donna Weinsting are great comic foils as Ouiser Boudreaux and Clairee Belcher, respectively. Ouiser's cantankerous and ornery nature nicely plays off of Clairee's sense of adventure and playfulness. Stephanie Brown rushes a bit as Shelby, but delivers an otherwise solid performance of this belle in denial. Kim Furlow brings emotional weight to her role as M'Lynn, Shelby's consistently concerned mother.

Director Annamaria Pileggi does good work here with a talented cast, especially with regards to the story's dramatic elements. Sean Savoie's set and lighting design neatly conjures up the sole locale, and Teresa Doggett's subtle costuming fits the characters well.

Some issues with sight lines and ambient noise aside, this is a delightful production performed by a strong ensemble, fully worthy of your time.