Laughter And Tears with APA’s ‘Steel Magnolias’

Spring has definitely sprung in Orleans over at the Academy Playhouse with the opening last week of “Steel Magnolias,” the treasured tale of friendship and heartbreak which takes place in the 1980s in Louisiana. The heartwarming – and at times heartwrenching – play is familiar to so many because of the widely popular and Academy-Award winning motion picture which came out in 1989. The movie had a blockbuster cast of women including Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Darryl Hannah, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis and Shirley MacLaine. 

 The Academy’s production evokes emotions and laughter throughout its two-hour run and is a showcase of local talent. This Academy production is directed by Anna Marie Johansen with set design by Mark Roderick, Nick Dorr and Emma Englelson. 

 For those not familiar with the story, “Steel Magnolias” is set in a beauty salon in a fictional Louisiana parish on the dawn of a highly anticipated wedding in town. The storyline is filled with big themes like illness and angst, loneliness and craze. But above all, at the heart of the play lies the true meaning of what it is to be a friend. 

 The characters in “Steel Magnolias” are rich with Southern charm and are perfectly depicted by the six leading women in this production. Truvy is the salon owner and this is where much of this story takes place. She is a hopeless romantic who is played flawlessly by Kristen Winn. Winn’s coiffed hair is meticulously on-point and the outfits would make Dolly Parton proud! Winn plays this character of the gal who knows everyone’s business effortlessly. 

 Playing Shelby, the ill-fated but always-optimistic bride, is Daphne Zelinsky. Zelinsky is delightful in this role, bringing a youthful but fierce presence to the stage. Shelby’s  overly-cautious mother, M’Lynn, is played by Lee LaCroi who will literally leave you in tears by the end of the show (consider yourself warned). Kayla Jorgensen plays the naive young stylist Annelle Dupuy and Clairee is portrayed by Kathy Hamilton. 

 The disgruntled and loveable role of Ouiser is played by APA regular (and revered Monomoy Middle School science teacher!) Julia Randall. With her sharp-tounged come-backs and miserable old-lady ways, Randell captures the true essence of this legendary character in an unforgettable way. You can not take your eyes off of her throughout the duration of the show!

 It has been years since I saw the movie “Steel Magnolias” and I was delighted to be joined on opening night by my two dear friends, Wendy and Kimberly. I don’t think I was prepared to be overcome by a bit of emotion as the play progressed through the night. What does it mean to lose a child? Who is in your inner circle to hold you up during the worst of times? I was happy to be with these friends as I teared up when Shelby lost her battle and M’Lynn turned to her circle of friends to fall back on. The story is a true testament to the power of female friendship. 

 The emotions run deep in this play and the actors were definitely up to the task! It was a reminder to us all that life is precious and those around us have the capacity to lift us up and carry us through despair if we will let them.  Be sure to catch this show while you can. Tickets are selling out fast!

DETAILS:

“Steel Magnolias”

At the Academy of Performing Arts, Main Street, Orleans

Through May 4, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-255-1963, academyplayhouse.org