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"Steel Magnolias"
April 26-28, 2007
Deep River Legion
written by Robert Harling
directed by Marjorie Alburger
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REVIEW (LETTER TO THE EDITOR)
in the North Renfrew Times
Dear Deep River,
How proud you must be of your home grown theatre group and their Fantastic Production of Steel Magnolias. I was there for the opening night and was blown away by the professional quality of the entire production. Kudos to all the cast and crew!
From the great lighting and super costumes to the emotion evoking portrayals by actors - this production sizzled.
The small stage was perfect to portray Truvy's "garage renivated hair salon " and the set dressing added just the right amount of forshadowing - with the little touches of pink added here and there. Especially effective was the changing of the seasons as represented by the Magnolia Tree Frieze in the window. As the seasons changed (and the mood of the play) the tree also changed. A very nice touch.
Costumes and Hair were also done extremely well ( Sooo 80's). I was very impressed with how Truvy and Annelle managed to do all the hair styles right on stage before our eyes and have it timed to the lines so well.
One of the most obvious strengths of this production was the incredible energy each actress brought with her onto the stage. Truvy (Phyllis Heeney) was exuberant and infectious and this filled - not only her little hair salon - but the entire auditorium. Her conviction was pure from her southern accent and use of mannerisms to her depth of emotion and natural truth of character.
Annelle (Margaret Bates) was also pure energy. She sparkled each time she spoke and no matter what emotion she was giving us, her attactive stage presence shone.
Shelby (Nickie Deighton) had a very difficult role to play in that she was "stuck" in the chair centre stage getting her hair done for most of the first act and had to react to everyone without moving and in most cases without many lines. She succeeded remarkably. With her facial reactions and body language we immediately loved her and this made the play work so well. Without this tie of endearment with the audience the entire play could have fallen on its face. But it soared instead. Each scene we grew to be more attached to her and so the ending was therefore even more poignant.
The same relationship with the audience can be said of each character as we got to know them more. M'Lynn (Karen Shewchuk) is just such a character. We meet her and grow to admire and empathize with her as the play progresses - hence the strong and powerful closing scene. In fact that scene is testament to all the actresses in this show.
Clairee (Dale Hopkins) and Ouiser (Jane Vachon) bring stong perfomances throughout the play but in the final scene their portrayals of friendship and support really come into their own. The pureness of heart is so real in this production. We can feel the love between these women. They are there for each other. Truvy, Annelle, Ouiser, and Clairee could not be better friends for M'Lynn. We feel it and that is a true testament to the first rate acting of this strong group of actresses and of course a feather in the cap of the Director. Thank you Marjorie.
Well Done Deep River Players. Fantastic Job to all of you. Kudos once again.
Congratulations to you all.
Kathy Boyd.
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