Before it was a blockbuster movie starring Dolly Parton and Sally Field, Steel Magnolias was a stage play written by Robert Harling about six women in Louisiana and their friendship. The Indiana Repertory Theater’s production closes out their 2021-22 season with laughter and tears.
Truvy’s hair parlor is the spot for gathering and gossip, and a healthy dose of Aqua Net to keep those big hairdos in order. Truvy (Susan Lynskey) is a hard-working sharp-witted hair dresser who believes “there is no such thing as natural beauty.” She takes on the timid and anxious Annelle (Brittany Anikka Liu), a recent beauty school graduate who has recently been abandoned by her husband. The day she starts is a big day in the little town of Chinquapin, as the small-town power-brokers come to get their hair done for the big wedding of Shelby Eatenton (Kate Abbruzzese). Shelby’s mom M’Lynn (Annie Fitzpatrick) verbally spars with her daughter, who is a diabetic, but leaps into action when Shelby’s blood sugar drops suddenly and she has a seizure. Friends Clairee (Gina Daniels) and Ouiser (Naomi Jacobson) act as comic relief and older guiding hands as the ladies go from the wedding to Shelby’s marriage and pregnancy, to her early death due to complications from diabetes.
One of the most accurate descriptions of female friendships ever put on a stage, Steel Magnolias is full of quotable lines and revelations as their bonds evolve. M’Lynn’s breakdown after her daughter’s death is one of the most authentic portrayals of deep grief ever captured, and Fitzpatrick lets loose with anger and guilt until the audience is ugly crying. Jacobson’s Ouiser — possibly one of the best roles written for an actress — plays off Daniels’ Clairee as sharp and droll, with just a hint of sugar. Liu’s Annelle grows from a naive girl to a true “smartass” at the end, while Lynskey’s Truvy is steady and loving, a solid lynchpin in the story.
Excellent direction by Laura Gordon keeps the sassy cast moving in the right direction. This is a must-see production for women who have been lucky enough to have friends like this.
Steel Magnolias continues through June 5. Call 317-635-5252 or visit irtlive.com to order tickets.
