By Alisha Hagey and Jason Hagey
Creekside Theatre Fest gives us a production of Steel Magnolias in Cedar Hills, Utah that reminds us of the definition of ‘steel magnolias’: A woman who exemplifies both traditional femininity as well as an uncommon fortitude. The women of Robert Harling’s story all bloom where they are planted and are rooted in community, friendship, and a deep and abiding love. Like magnolias themselves, some may bloom only for a short time, but they are surrounded by deep roots that remember and remain devoted long after the delicate petals fall.
Everything in Harling’s Steel Magnolias comes from his own life. His mother is M’Lynn and his sister is Shelby. In an interview with Garden and Gun, Harling said, “All the characters were based on real people, Mama’s friends. I’ve never told a living soul who Ouiser is based on. After the play had some success and everybody from Natchitoches went up to New York to see it, I was really worried because Ouiser’s such a crotchety old curmudgeon. And lo and behold, every woman in town was saying, ‘He based Ouiser on me.’” Indeed, who does not want to be Ouiser?
Steel Magnolias is an ensemble piece, one written for six women. The friendships of these women are explored but M’Lynn and Shelby’s mother/daughter relationship is core. From these two women, the rest of the play turns as they are the axis of the story.
At the end of the show, in a moment that causes most to tear up, Shaunna Thompson (M’Lynn Eatenton) sticks the landing of a very difficult monologue. One cannot help but hear in her voice a resonance of Sally Field’s famous portrayal in the film. Heartbreaking and beautiful, Thompson captures the powerful feeling of the final scene in her line, “We should handle it the best way we know how…and get on with it. That’s what my mind says. I wish somebody’d explain to my heart.” In many ways, this is the meaning of the play. As we experience what it means to be human (in joys and sorrows) it is often easy to know we should just get on with it but explaining it to our heart is far more difficult.
Though not the central relationship between mother and daughter, a much-cherished bond in the play is the one between Luone Ingram (Clairee Belcher) and Jayne Luke (Ouiser Bourdreaux). Their friendship is a source of constant hilarity throughout the show and Ingram and Luke create wonderful chemistry on stage. Our teenage daughter says, “I really like their relationship because it is so much like me and my friends. We tease each other and we can be very serious.” She talks about how the characters in the production are relatable. We agree.
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Jake Allen (Sound Designer) sets the 80’s tone for us with the backdrop of recognizable songs. Jess Wallace’s (Costume Designer) also transports us back in time – with big southern hair and recognizable costuming (for those of us old enough to have lived through the 80’s ourselves). Brain Hadfield (Set Design) creates Truvy’s beauty shop and with simple changes takes us along the passing years. Crystal Myler and Shaunna Thompson (Co-Directors) create with obvious affection for the source material and for the cast.
Harling reminisced, “My mother would always say to handle magnolia blossoms carefully because they bruise so easily. You think of this flower that is so delicate and has to be handled with care but is actually made of much stronger stuff.” The women of the cast come together to bind us in their brief vignettes of time, as we see them as pillars of strength. The reminder to always love and connect is timely and necessary. Not moralistic, but more uplifting (with plenty of acerbic verbal sparring to help ease the tension and transition), Steel Magnolias comes to life. Bring your blanket (and a jacket) and find yourself transported into a southern town that feels almost like coming home. Remember the words of Alice Roosevelt so lovingly shared by Clairee, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, come sit next to me.” You will be glad you did.
Creekside Theatre Fest presents Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
June 16th, 19th, 22nd, 25th, 29th and July 1st, 2021 @ 7:30 PM.
4425 W Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, UT 84062
Contact: creeksidetheatrefest@gmail.com
Tickets: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors/students, and $12 for children 11 and under
Tickets Link
Creekside Theatre Fest Facebook Page
Steel Magnolias Promotional Video
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