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Steel Magnolias a breath of fresh Southern air
Contributed by: Rick Cromwell on 6/26/2008

The 1st day of summer was ushered in with Southern style this weekend with the Rising Curtain Theatre Academy's production of "Steel Magnolias". Shown in a cool and cozy historic church auditorium in north Denver, Robert Harling's play follows the story of the death of his (real-life) sister. Six Louisiana women journey through life's trials and tribulations at the local beauty salon, developing a story of friendship and support.

The shop owner is played here by Shelley Majeres, a fiery redhead with a wonderful knack for delivery. Her new assistant is played by Jaclyn O'Hara, a recent high school graduate with a long list of theatre credits. Two old and dear friends, Ouiser Boudreaux and Clairee Belcher, are well rounded in this production by Cynthia Morgenthaler and Mary Link. Mother-Daughter M'Lynn & Shelby Eatenton are portrayed by Barbara Moritzky and surprising theatre novice Meghan Rowe. It is fully evident that the cast has enjoyed the process of becoming the Magnolias- the characters are fully realized and well-acted. The dialogue bantering moves easily and naturally between the women. Often, "Steel Magnolias" is produced by a more closely aged group, even as a high school production. The variety of ages here, 18 and up, provide a believable story.

Unlike the popular movie, with screenplay also by Harling, includes a variety of locales and several male characters. The play takes place entirely in the salon with no men to be seen. The salon becomes almost a character in itself, taking on many symbolic reflections of the storyline- cheery Christmas decorations at a joyful time, happy flowers (so often given at times as symbols of care) during a time of watchful wariness and a wonderful "outdoor" lighting effect on this small stage during a scene of anticipation and concern.

"Steel Magnolias" was co-directed by Tammy Franklin and Rand Moritzky. The show clicks along at a comfortable pace, lines are well-delivered and timed and the movements seem natural and well-rehearsed. Kudos to the cast and crew for a wonderful, tender production that had even this old curmedgeon reaching for the tissues in the final scene.

I am very much looking forward to a musical production of "My Fair Lady" promised by this group opening July 31st- it should be an excellent show if "Steel Magnolias" is any indication of the tremendous work being accomplished in North Denver. Tickets and info at www.risingcurtain.com or 720-308-2920.


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Showing 1 of 1 comments
Submitted By: Rand Moritzky
posted on 6/27/2008 @ 3:26:44 PM
Rated Story
Nice commentary and review.
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Rick Cromwell

Aurora , CO

Rick Cromwell has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 6/26/2008. Rick Cromwell's average story rating is 5.
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