by Otto Coelho

After my parent’s divorce when I was three years old, I grew up as the only male in a house with my mother and sister. My maternal grandmother took care of my sister and I when my mother was at work, and on the weekends that we spent with my paternal grandparents there was no doubt that my grandmother on that side ruled the roost. I am accustomed to strong women and look at portrayals of women as “the weaker sex” with skepticism. Women create, and creation takes strength. Men destroy, and destruction is easy.

Even though it was a man named Robert Harling who wrote “Steel Magnolias,” it was written to honor the strength of women—in particular his sister who died tragically following complications after giving birth. A magnolia is a lovely yet delicate flower of the South. These southern flowers – the characters in the play—are all, in their own way, as strong as steel. They have to be. And the actress who bring them to life are strong to match. However, if you use the 1989 film starring Sally Field and Olympia Dukakis as a frame of reference, you’ll soon push those thoughts aside. While the film featured an all-white cast, this production is multi-ethnic, which definitely adds new dimensions that enrich the script.

Within this strong ensemble, Lisa Strum is powerful as salon owner Truvy. All the action takes place in Truvy’s beauty shop (a converted carport), and she really takes charge. Whether trying to squeeze out bits of gossip from the other women or offering her love and strength to those who need it, Strum plays the role to perfection. As Mama M’Lynn, Dawn L. Troupe is the picture of quiet dignity and grace, until circumstances become overwhelming. Jasmine Milan Williams brings a unique energy to her portrayal of M’Lynn’s daughter Shelby and Marcia Pizzo’s Claree is delightful.

Elizabeth Carter directs a  keen eye, even though some transitions are a bit rough.

The set, skillfully designed by Andrea Berchert, is gorgeous, but lacks intimacy.  This carport could fit at least five cars with plenty of room to spare. It is, however, expertly lit by Steven B. Mannshardt.  Christopher Sauceda’s sound design and music choice sets time, place, and mood wonderfully. Dana Rebecca Woods’ costume design dresses each character with insight.

All in all, strong performances from a good ensemble in a well-written show that combines laughs with a tear or two.

“Steel Magnolias” continues at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through July 2nd, 2003. For more information, click here.

_________________________________

Rating: **+ (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
_________________________________ 

“Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. Produced by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. Director: Elizabeth Carter. Scenic Design: Andrea Berchert. Costume Design: Dana Rebecca Woods. Lighting Design: Stephen B. Mannshardt. Sound Design: Christopher Sauceda. Wig Design: Destinee Steele. Associate Wig Design: Ashley Wise. Dialect Coach: Kimily Conkle. Artist Counselor: Judith Nihei.

Cast:

Annelle: Alexandra Lee. Truvy: Lisa Strum. Clairee: Marcia Pizzo. Shelby: Jasmine Milan Williams. M’Lynn:Dawn L. Troupe. Ouiser: Nancy Carlin..