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The Vic’s ‘Steel Magnolias’blooms with fine details
By Eric McCrea
YOUNGSTOWN
The Victorian Players brought a new season of theater to life this past weekend with the modern classic “Steel Magnolias.”
Premiering in 1987 and jumping to the screen just two years later, Robert Harling’s play recounts the real-life events he and his family experienced during the death of his sister, while highlighting the difficulties of living with diabetes.
The place takes place entirely in the beauty salon of Truvy, played by Cheri DeGregory, who opens only on Saturdays for her closest friends. As Truvy shows her new apprentice Annelle (Lori George) the ins and outs of her factory of beauty, the neighborhood ladies begin to arrive in preparation for the wedding of Shelby, played by Selena Phillips. Mother of the bride-to-be, M’Lynn (Laura J. Phillips), seems to bicker with her blushing daughter over every detail, aside from the armadillo cake, but an insulin crisis reminds the ladies that some things are more important than pink bunting.
When these Southern belles reunite through the years, they face turmoil in love and family, and Shelby’s strained health leads to some drastic measures.
Director Terri A. Wilkes seems to have a talent for breathing life into the details. With such a fine, experienced cast, she was able to create a genuine feeling of unity.
DeGregory was a driving force in this play. Her energy was always high and her character had some great lines, which kept the show moving at a great pace. Given the heavy subject matter of this show, she was able to keep the emotions balanced with a light and optimistic air.
George was a delight as Annelle, showing great character skills and a great range. In a lot of ways, Annelle goes through the biggest transformation in “Steel Magnolias,” and George was on point at every step.
In the role of Ouiser, Gerri Jenkins was a bruiser of bones and egos, a real force to be reckoned with. A perfect fit in the role, Jenkins is loud and impossible to ignore, though not immune to tugs at the heartstrings.
Patricia Fagan is a marvel as Clairee. Her experience on stage shone through as true wisdom in her character. Also a significant contributor to the comic relief, Fagan is one of the few actors in the area who can truly turn the scene 180 degrees and make it feel organic.
Selena Phillips was charming as Shelby. She has a way of making it all look so effortless, as if the lights are on just for her.
Laura J. Phillips was powerful as M’Lynn. She has long been a standout in any production, and this is no exception. She engages fully and puts 100 percent into every performance. Her emotional range is staggering and uncompromised.
“Steel Magnolias” is fairly well-known as a film, and given that much of the dialogue is verbatim, this makes any minor flub extremely apparent, and this cast did have a few. But they would have been unnoticeable with less familiar lines. Any audience member who is well versed with the film or prior stagings of the play will not be disappointed with The Victorian Players, as they hit every key point successfully.
“Steel Magnolias” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. until Sept. 11. For reservations, call 330-746-5455. Victorian Players Theater is at 702 Mahoning Ave.