Type – Comedy, Drama
If you liked – Muriel’s Wedding, Waitress (film)
Steel Magnolias: Witty and heartfelt – this is for the lovers of the film and a nostalgic evening of laughs
Robert Harling’s smash hit Steel Magnolias makes its return to the stage, blending sitcom and dramatic elements. Steel Magnolias tells the story of six women and their unshakable bond. Through soaring highs and crushing lows, they are always there to lend a helping hand. And while they do come at each other’s throats once or twice in their lives, they put their differences aside when it matters most.
There is palpable chemistry between the actors on stage, making their decades long friendships perfectly believable. The show is propped up by a cast of seasoned, award-winning actors bringing their A-game to this laugh out loud play.
Jessica Redmayne is a standout in her role as Shelby. Plucky, bright, and incredibly brave, Shelby lives life on her own terms, perhaps to her own detriment. Much of the play revolves around her as she tries to super-cede the limitations placed on her, even it means going against her own mother.
Mandy Bishop plays Truvy, the sass-filled and gossip hungry hairdresser who every other character depends on. Quick-witted and confident, she is the lynch pin of the ensemble, providing a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand when those in her service need it most.
Lisa McCune plays M’lynn, Shelby’s doting mother. It is safe to say that M’lynn’s life revolves around her only daughter. While she may come across harsh and controlling, she is only looking out for what is best. Reluctant at first, she eventually comes around to her daughter’s wishes. Much of the play revolves around this mother-daughter duo.
Belinda Giblin plays Ouiser, the headstrong and spunky dark horse of the group. Though she is quick to defend herself, Ousier is, at her core, a caring and compassionate woman.
Debra Lawrence plays Clairee, the sports-mad widow who later buys the towns’ radio station. While she carries herself with an aristocratic air, behind her royal exterior lies the soul of a scamp always up to mischief. But make no mistake, she also has a great capacity for love, demonstrating real care and concern for those around her.
Lotte Beckett’s Annelle is a little underutilised, lacking the same punch and roundedness of the other characters. There is lots of mystery around the character that isn’t explicitly revealed, though perhaps it isn’t too hard to glean if you read between the lines.
While I believe that I am by no means the target audience for Steel Magnolias, I still found it to be quite enjoyable, laughing along with the everyone else in the packed-out theatre – thought too young for some of the jokes and pop-culture references, but that is solely on me.
Truvy’s beauty salon is the one and only set of the play, with other events taking place off stage, and characters providing the necessary exposition in their dialogue. The direction creates intrigue and mystery, especially as Shelby’s dramatic storyline is revealed through carefully worded dialogue.
A whirlwind of emotions, laughing hysterically one minute, the audience is brought crashing down to earth the very next, showing just how quickly life can change.
The lighting and sound design is subtle, fitting the lowkey atmosphere of the play. So too are the era-appropriate costumes, which fit each character’s personality perfectly. With a single set design, the team create a salon that feels genuinely lived in.
Addmitedly used for a single scene – there is a design element which has all the vibrancy of something made with AI. Though not stated anywhere, the format on the printout of the town’s annual Christmas festival contrasted significantly to the rest of the design, taking me out of the immersion of the intricate details it sat against.
Is Steel Magnolias Worth Seeing in Melbourne?
Stell Magnolias in intriguing and genuinely heartfelt story. Though it may not be written for me as a target audience, the performances are all top notch and the story feels genuinely immersive. If you’re a fan of the movie, you will definitely get a kick out of the stage show.
Tickets and Practical Info for Steel Magnolias in Melbourne 🎟️
A Neil Gooding and Woodward Productions production
Season 23 July – August 16
Tickets: https://www.athenaeumtheatre.com.au/shows/steel-magnolias
Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions Present
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
BY ROBERT HARLING
By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical
On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company
Creatives:
Director – Lee Lewis
Set and Costume Designer – Simone Romaniuk
Lighting Designer – Paul Jackson
Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins
Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions
