‘Steel Magnolias’ at the Alliance Theatre Through Nov. 9
Zoë Winters, Mary Pat Gleason, Sarah Stiles, Beth Broderick, Deirdre Lovejoy, and Becky Ann Baker; Photo: Greg Mooney
Similar to the movie starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Darryl Hannah, “Steel Magnolias” the play is not quite as good. I think the fault lies with the poor acting because the movie was so much better.
If you like a bunch of chatty women from ages 18 to 60 acting like a bunch of sorority girls with gossip and funny one-liners, this play is for you. If you thought “Peachtree Battle” was a riot, and you like fake, thick, syrupy Southern accents, you’ll probably like this production. The overbearing Ouiser (Mary Pat Gleason) brings laughs and visions of Mobs Mabley, and Annelle (Sarah Stiles) is charming and touching as the kooky, shy new hairdresser with the squeaky Minnie Mouse voice, but they, like the other performers, tend to overact.
Although I shed a few tears, I could never lose myself in this play.
Written by Robert Harling and directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey, “Steel Magnolias” runs at the Alliance Theatre through Sunday, Nov. 9.
Cast:
Clairee Becky Ann Baker
M’Lynn Beth Broderick
Radio DJ Voiceover David de Vries
Ouiser Mary Pat Gleason
Truvy Deirdre Lovejoy
Annelle Sarah Stiles
Shelby Zoe Winters
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