Steel Magnolias at GCT Won't Disappoint
April 30, 2009
By MONIQUE SACAY-BAGWELL
Special to the Index-Journal
Greenwood, SC - Spring is still in full bloom at Greenwood Community Theatre while they begin to prepare for opening night of Robert Harling's southern classic "Steel Magnolias." The heartwarming, and heartbreaking, story of closely knitted friends will surely have you asking the characters onstage to pass you a tissue as well.
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Audiences will especially appreciate the detail in the set. Seeing all the hair salon equipment, and watching the actresses handle the props with ease made me feel as though I were in the waiting room. In fact, director Bess Park, along with dramaturge Wally Dorn, has worked hard to recreate many aspects of the original production.
"Steel Magnolias" has always been a local favorite.
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The script is filled with wonderful lines such as "There is no such thing as natural beauty," or in referring to Shelby's in-laws who "shoot it, cook it, or marry it." But the lines wouldn't work without the colorful female characters who deliver them.
Annelle, the optimistic hair dresser, is played with a natural innocence by Lauren Miller. Truvy, the sassy salon owner, is played with a frisky delivery by Lynn McJunkin Alexander. Clairee, a widower who finds a fresh start in life, is played with spunkiness by Fran McClain. Shelby, the daughter who pursues her dreams despite her obstacles, is played with a passionate sincerity by Jane Merrill. M'Lynn, the devoted mother to Shelby, is played by Pattie Fender with quiet strength. And the pessimistic character everyone loves to hate, Ouiser, is played with a seasoned comic delivery by Clarissa Blackmore. The rapport between the actresses established a sense that they indeed were all longtime friends.
Special recognition goes out to Hope Ott, the stage manager, who was spot on with the set changes. Set changes between scenes can be a real bear to handle, but Ott single handedly made the changes helping to keep the show flowing smoothly. Special kudos goes out to Isaac Young for his "80s Greatest Hits" contribution. Running crew, lights, and sound are the invisible threads that hold a show together, but are all too often rarely acknowledged.
"Steel Magnolias" runs 8 pm Friday and Saturday and May 8 and 9. Matinees are 2 pm Saturday and Sunday and May 9 and 10. Call the GCT box office at (864) 229-5704 for reservations.
Monique Sacay-Bagwell is an associate professor of Mass Communications and Theatre at Lander University.
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