By Alayna Een
Steel Magnolias, a comedy-drama currently running in the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo, Utah, is a beautiful tribute to female friendship and the individual and collective strength of women. Written by Robert Harling, this play was first conceived as a biographical short story of the author’s sister’s life experiences with type 1 diabetes. The deeply personal and poignant subject matter mixed with witty, dry humor and a soulful southern charm make Steel Magnolias the heart-stirring success that it is. The all-female cast comprises six women we meet in medias res amid preparations for the Shelby’s wedding. Truvy, the owner of the salon that is the only setting for the play, has just hired the nervous new girl in town (Annelle) and is busy beautifying the stubborn bride-to-be while Shelby’s mother, M’lynn, complains of her husband’s approach to the wedding preparations, their classy friend Clairee lends her advice, and the irritable Ouiser edges in. During the comedic hullabaloo, Shelby suffers a diabetic episode, and the mood instantly changes. The play tells the story of the next three years in scenes when all the characters are again gathered to the salon for various reasons, and we see their interwoven character arcs leading up to the final scene. These emotionally demanding roles require spectacular, seasoned actresses, and the Covey Center cast has them in spades.
In a stunning makeover done by Luke Woolfe (scenic artist), the black box theater at the Covey Center has become a beauty parlor frozen in time, complete with painted blue tiles and pin-ups of teased updos. The costumes (supervised by Elizabeth Crandall) complete the throwback, with ensembles ranging from loud activewear and Christmas sweaters to classy size 8.5 pumps and pantsuits. Another costuming success is the changes in the characters’ haircuts and styles that cleverly cataloged the passage of time. The performance proceeds in technical perfection, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Skye Cummins (director), Elize Lacanieta (stage manager), and Pam Cluff (technical director). And with a stage so well set, the actors shine all the brighter.
Kelly Cook (Truvy) is the chipper, gossipy girlfriend everyone wants to have—she’s welcome to do my hair anytime!—and she adds a beautiful sincerity to her role. Laurel Lowe does an amazing job with Annelle’s glow-up, capturing both the painfully shy and awkward new girl and the happy, well-adjusted (if overly religious) woman. Luone Ingram’s Clairee is an absolute delight, and she brings both sporty comedy and refined elegance to every scene, expertly (really, she’s been in the show three times) navigating the nuances of her role. Karen Bard’s Ousier is brilliant. When she says, loudly and crossly, that she’s “been in a bad mood for forty years,” you can’t help but believe her. But that makes the rare moment when she softens and apologizes all the more poignant. The unfailing and sincere sisterhood in the group is pure and palpable, and it takes actresses of incredible talent who are also good people offstage to create that.
Sydney Dameron is this production’s Shelby, and she brings all the stubborn vivacity and determined dignity her role requires, adding a little bit of doe-eyed innocence. I was especially impressed by the depth and power of the mother-daughter relationship between Dameron and Shaunna Thompson (M’Lynn). The two show the frustration, love, and concern inherent in that precious relationship with breathtaking (and tear-jerking) sincerity, whether in dramatic dialog or the subtlest of background gestures. Thompson is incredible throughout, but her emotional monologue near the end is one of the most moving moments I’ve ever had in a theater, and I know it’ll stick with me for a while.
The Covey Center for the Arts’ performance of Steel Magnolias in Provo, Utah is a show of incredible women with hearts bigger than their teased hair. I will treasure the memory of sitting next to my sister in the semi-darkness, in an audience full of family groups and gal pals, watching all the complicated natural beauty of womanhood played out between manicures, quips, and curling irons. What better way to spend Mother’s Day weekend? So call your friends, surprise your mom, and book an appointment to see Steel Magnolias at the Covey Center for the Arts! The salon chair is waiting for you!
The Covey Center for the Arts Presents Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling.
The Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601
May 5–28, 2021, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $14-16
Covey Center for the Arts Website
Covey Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Steel Magnolias Facebook Event
0 Comments