Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling, running Thursday through Sunday, February 13-16, at Town Theatre, is not to be missed. While matinee tickets may be sold out, seats are still available for evening performances, so I highly recommend reserving your tickets now. And as a bonus, this show marks the debut of the theater's new, incredibly comfortable seating, which is sure to enhance your experience.
Based on a true story, playwright Harling based the play on his sister. He grew up in Natchitoches and based the characters on some of his mother's friends. He believed that the women in his community were witty and clever, and that the juxtaposition of strength and fragility was typical of Southern women.
A big shout-out to director Allison McNeeley for her expertly crafted direction of this play, bringing a smooth and authentic portrayal of the story to the stage. The staging worked well keeping the characters alive within the set at all times. This is a cast of real people, and you’ll find yourself loving every one of them.
The play centers around a group of six women who gather at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in a small-town in Louisiana to prepare for the wedding of Shelby Eatenton (Zanna Mills) and her beau, Jackson Latcherie. M’Lynn Eatenton (Debra Kiser), Shelby’s mother, is at the heart of the story. Joining them are Truvy (Syhaya Aviel), who runs the salon, a newly hired assistant named Anelle (Emily Clelland), and longtime friends Clairee Belcher (Gayle Stewart) and Ouiser Boudreaux (Kathy Hartzog). These women share a deep bond of friendship, supporting each other through thick and thin. You will laugh and cry with them as their stories unfold.
The chemistry between the cast members is real. Emily Clelland, as the naive and innocent Annelle, brings humor and charm with her well-timed comedic moments and expressive and sincere performance. Syhaya Aviel shines as Truvy, infusing the character with warmth and authenticity, making her incredibly relatable and endearing. Gayle Stewart nails her portrayal of Clairee, delivering her lines with perfect timing, and Kathy Hartzog’s hilarious Ouiser is a character we all know and love.
But the standout performances for me were Debra Kiser as M’Lynn and Zanna Mills as Shelby. Their on-stage relationship is full of heart—both tender and tense, with every moment feeling true to life. Zanna’s portrayal of Shelby radiates a love for life, while her performance through Shelby’s health decline is heartbreakingly real. Watching Zanna grow as an actress over the past few years has been a pleasure—she’s one to watch. And Debra Kiser? Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster. Her performance is nothing short of breathtaking, especially in the final moments of the play. Trust me, bring tissues—Kiser’s performance will leave you in tears.
The creative team also deserves a round of applause. The set design perfectly captures the essence of a beauty salon, while the period-appropriate props and costumes further immerse the audience in the world of the play.
This production is a beautiful blend of humor, heart, and poignant moments, making for a wonderfully entertaining evening at Town Theatre. Don’t miss it!
Tickets are available by calling Town Theatre at 803-799-2510, Tuesday to Friday, 12 noon to 5 pm, or online at towntheatre.com/tickets/.
