In 1985, in a fictional town called Chinquapin Parish, in Northwestern Louisiana, lies an at-home beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones, a happy-go-lucky local hairdresser. She’s young-at-heart, loves the local gossip, and makes women feel loved and cared for in her company.
But this tiny mecca is far more than the sum of its parts. For in this beauty nook, Truvy weaves together a circle of strong, sassy Southern women to gather, connect and socialise.
Women called Steel Magnolias.
In honour of Dolly Parton, who starred as Truvy in the film version of Steel Magnolias in 1989, Encore Theatre Company is proud to present its latest instalment, in an equally nookish theatrette at the Clayton Community Centre.
Where, inside, we are invited into a world of southern hospitality, starting with a gorgeous set design by Susan and Peter Rundle.
The show opens our senses into a bright and colourful space full of nostalgic hair and beauty posters, with a yellow, mint green, pink and turquoise colour scheme, much like a candy shop. Bold on the outside, and sweet and sugary on the inside.
In the first scene, Truvy is teaching Annelle Dupuy, a new employee and hairdressing student, the ins-and-outs of her hair and beauty biz. It is Saturday. A busy day to come. Annelle is nervous. We also learn she is a newcomer to town and seems quite sketchy about revealing facts about her personal life.
Then in walks Clairee Belcher, known as the town’s wealthy socialite. Then Shelby Eatenton, a young 20-something nurse who is getting married, and her sensitive mum M’Lynn, who’s a tad overprotective of her. Then, to round off the women, a human windstorm comes through the sliding door. It’s Ouiser Boudreaux, the old town crow, carrying on and complaining about well, just about everything in her life.
But one thing they can all rely on? Is each other, in good times and in bad.
Speaking of which; we learn that all is not as rosy as it seems. Shelby has Type 1 diabetes, and wants nothing more than to be a mum, but is told that her body is weak and cannot withstand a pregnancy. To prove this point, we are witness to her going into hypoglycaemic shock at the salon, as Truvy is styling her hair. She recovers, but this sparks a warning about her future health. A compelling thread of fear her mother M’Lynn carries throughout the duration of this production.
This show is about the strong friendships these women have with each other, through thick and thin. Through the light and the dark. As such; the six ladies in this cast are all brilliant in their own ways and portray their roles well, thanks to the wonderful direction by Susan Rundle.
Kirsty Hall brings Truvy’s joviality to life, and knows how to delicately balance humour with a great dose of realism. She seemed so natural in this role, and carried this show beautifully from start to finish with great aplomb.
Molly Spencer, as delightful, young Annelle, is instinctually clever in how she embodies this role. In every scene, she commits to every hilarious character moment, yet adapts her role with a great deal of sensitivity. Knowing exactly when to pace, pause, and finally, when to raise the stakes for greater laughs.
Lisa Upson, a late addition to the cast, shines as Clairee. Bringing the exact mix of steely strength, warm sarcasm, and an unwavering will that is required in this role. She is not only believable; but fiercely forthright, and brimming with class.
Glenda May is an absolute delight playing Ouiser, bringing the energy of a shrewish older lady to the fore; yet making her an absolute gem, encased in comedy gold.
Justine Garnes perfectly personifies her role as Shelby, exuding the essence needed to portray a steely Southern Belle. Charming and soft; yet unwaveringly strong. She is a joy to watch.
And finally, Gabby Llewelyn as M’Lynn is the absolute heart of this show, taking us through a roller coaster ride filled with the spectrum of motherly love. She takes ownership of her own emotional wheel – to drive home the experience of a Southern mother in crisis, with soft wings and nerves of steel.
In all, this production of Steel Magnolias was simply beautiful and heartfelt. The cast was superb and I would highly recommend it for a great night out.
To book tickets to Steel Magnolias, please visit https://encoretheatre.com.au/.
Photographer: Dave Swann