Feature photo by Damon Calderwood. Steel Magnolias by Boone Dog Productions. Pictured (L-R): Gillian Barber as Clairee, Jaime Piercy as Shelby, Sheryl Anne Wheaton as Truvy.
By Kristi Alexandra
@kristialexandra
Nary a man is seen onstage in the female-forward story of Steel Magnolias. The play is a veritable love letter to women written by playwright Robert Harling, and was made into the 1989 film of the same name–starring screen titans (and, in my humble opinion, feminist icons) Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Darryl Hannah and Sally Fields, just to name a few.
Now, the play is being locally revived by Boone Dog Productions, starring Jaime Percy as Shelby, Lalainia Lindbjerg as M’Lynn, Gillian Barber as Clairee, Ranae Miller as Annelle, Sheryl Anne Wheaton as Truvy, and Chy as Ouiser.
Set inside the vivacious Truvy’s beauty salon, we get to know the six Southern women that star in equal measures, including Shelby–the sweet and giddy bride-to-be–along with her stoic and protective mother, M’Lynn; the prickly (and mysteriously wealthy) Ouiser; the sharp-witted former first lady Clairee; and the pious new-girl-in-town Annelle.
Though the audience never sees outside of the salon, we get an insider’s perspective on everything that goes on in the small Louisiana town through the lens of the six women.
Directed and produced by Shel Piercy, the play features set design by Francesca Albertazzi (of Love It or List It fame) and costumes by Christina Sinosich (whose work you’ve likely seen at Theatre Under the Stars). Together, they don’t reinvent the wheel on Steel Magnolias. They stay true to its 1980s appeal: big hair, Pepto Bismol-pink sets et al. Their true mastery lies in their ability to execute an exact moment in time, interwoven with the complexities of female friendship.
Wheaton (Truvy) dazzles as the charismatic salon owner, and does it so authentically that it’s near impossible to imagine that she might be different in real life. Barber (Clairee), Miller (Annelle), and Chy (Ouiser) breathe fresh life into the play through dynamic portrayals of their characters.
Ultimately, Lindbjerg (M’Lynn) steals the show, giving a harrowing performance in the second act. Her portrayal of an emotional and distressed mother was felt throughout the intimate theatre, engaging the audience with deep empathy for her character.
And although the production is, in entirety, a woman-focused story, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house–no matter the gender–at the opening night of Steel Magnolias. In case you’ve not been acquainted with the story (my question is: “how?”), we won’t spoil it for you. Just be forewarned: bring tissues.
Steel Magnolias runs until March 8 at The Nest on Granville Island (1398 Cartwright St, 3rd Floor). Tickets ($28) can be found at steelmagnoliasvancouver.com.
Kristi Alexandra is an unabashed wino and wannabe musician. Her talents include drinking an entire bottle of cabernet sauvignon, singing in the bathtub, and falling asleep.
