“Steel Magnolias” is the most produced play in Colorado over the past five years, and why not?
It’s got six solid women’s roles, no men to be found, and it offers up enough suds and waterworks to qualify as a drive-through carwash.
The Victorian Playhouse is hosting the 15th area staging of Robert Harling’s weeper since 2001. It’s unlikely any topped this one, newly transplanted to Denver following a hit run at Golden’s Miners Alley Playhouse in January.
If you don’t already know this warm if predictable dramedy about six belles whose lives intersect at a beauty parlor in small-town Louisiana, well, I’m guessing that to you, “Terms of Endearment” means “Honey, please pass the chips,” and “Beaches” means a day lounging with a Coors at Chatfield Reservoir.
Community theaters love “Steel Magnolias” because they tend to have an abundance of skilled female actors and a dearth of quality roles for them. Cast the right six women in these roles, and you can produce a powerhouse piece of theater anywhere, even in the modest basement of the 1908 home that houses the Vic.
This comedy-turned-sobber revolves around sickly Shelby (Julia Roberts in the 1989 film) and her mother M’lynn. Scenes chronicle Shelby’s marriage, motherhood and, ultimately, a medical crisis.
Director Robert Kramer elicits performances that range from competent to stunning, most overtly the wonderful Deirdre O’Conner as Shelby and the fearless Terry Ann Watts as Ouiser, the sourpuss with an acidic tongue and a honeyed heart. But most everyone gets a chance to cue the violins or pass along homespun Southern witticisms here.
Theresa Adams puts Daryl Hannah to shame as mysterious Annelle, who has the greatest arc from skittish, abandoned newlywed transformed into a believable, and not even all that annoying, woman of faith. Kristin Fuhrmann Clark drives the Kleenex stock skyward in the final act as Shelby’s stoic, worried mama. But it’s O’Conner’s confidence and charm that holds the piece together. Because grad school calls, this fine actor will be replaced for the run’s final weekend Aug. 12-13.
The production is first-rate in other ways, as well. Sarah Roshan’s intricate salon setting makes great use of the Vic’s tiny playing area, plus fine contributions in light, sound and costumes.
This is strictly a girls’ night out, though it’s hard to imagine any man not scoring big-time points for sitting through it and providing a shoulder and tissue. The risk he runs, of course, is becoming the one in need of both.
“Steel Magnolias”
DRAMA|Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker St.|Written by Robert Harling|THROUGH AUG. 12|7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays|2 hours, 30 minutes |$18-$20|303-433-4343
