Most of us know the story of Steel Magnolias from the
beloved 1989 film starring Dolly Parton, Daryl Hanna, Julia Roberts, Sally
Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis. It’s one of those films that
brilliantly peels back the complicated layers of friendship
to reveal a core of
what a lasting friendship is all about…love. At Laguna Playhouse,
the stage version of Steel Magnolias stays true to the themes of both the
original short story and film.
In the opening scene we are introduced to Tuvy, a deeply
caring and flashy beauty salon owner whose chair becomes the place where women
share their dreams. Isn’t that usually the case, ladies? Somehow by sitting in
a chair and having our hair primped and primed we feel compelled to share our life
stories to our hairdressers. Maybe it’s because our stylist sees those things
we try to cover…the grey, the natural color and the imperfections that we don’t
want the rest of the world to see? Or could it be that it is a place that we
feel comfortable enough to literally let our hair down? No matter what the
reason is, the fact is, that the beauty salon is somewhere friends can gather
and find a place to express the sorrow and happiness that life throws their way.
The journey that these six friends travel over two years will both bring a
smile and a tear to your face. By the end of the play, you’re bound to end up
calling up your dearest friend just to hear their voice and say how much they
mean to you. That’s what makes this story one that stands the test of time and
medium, whether pen to paper, the silver screen, or the stage, Steel Magnolias
is a story that is about the importance of friendship.
Now playing through May 26th
By Anne-Marie S.
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