“Steel Magnolias” reviewed by Amy Menzel

Highly Recommended ****  Every time I go to the theater, I’m reminded of another reason I love going to the theater. Friday’s performance of Steel Magnolias at the Milwaukee Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse reminded me that I love the community aspect of theater. The communal aspect, yes — laughing and gasping along with other theater-goers — but also how theatre represents, embraces, and strengthens community.

Opening night marked the Rep’s return after nineteen months. The house was full of eager patrons, some of whom were invited as Team Truvy Award winners, honors bestowed upon area salons that “embody the love, joy, and friendship we see in the play, Steel Magnolias” and who were “chosen based on their strong dedication to their clients and community, as well as a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.” There was excitement in the Quadracci Powerhouse even before the powerhouse of a cast took the stage.

Took the stage they did, each with a nuanced performance of six women who, despite their differences, love and support one another and find sanctuary in a carport-turned-salon. Tami Workentin anchors the group as Clairee Belcher, a pillar of sorts in the community. Workentin plays the gossip well and delivers the sassy lines even better. And when Meg Thalken enters as Ouiser Boudreaux, it seems that it might really be that an actual neighborhood curmudgeon wandered onto the stage. It may be difficult (and, perhaps, unfair) to pick a favorite, but Thalken gets my vote in this performance.

It’s easy to get engrossed in the banter. It really does feel as though you are, in fact, just on the other side of the beauty parlor mirror, enjoying the banter between the ladies. It’s a bit of a time trip, too, back to the ‘80s with the big hair, pastel styles, and mom jeans before they were considered mom jeans.

Those who have seen the iconic film know it’s not just conversation and curlers, though. There is heart and heartbreak. M’Lynn Eatenton, played by Janet Ulirch Brooks, delivers an incredible performance in the final scene. I was captivated, amused, and devastated all within the span of four minutes.

The cast, wonderfully directed by Laura Braza, make up a community that plays a community for a community who is glad that live theater is back.

Steel Magnolias plays at the Milwaukee Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse through December 5.

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased milwaukeerep.com.

Performances are as follows:

Tuesdays  6:30 p.m.

Wednesday  1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Thursday  7:30 p.m.

Friday  8 p.m.

Saturday  3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday 2 p.m.

The play runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

Special dates include an Early Bird performance, an Audio Described performance, an ASL performance, a Captioned performance, and a Bus Matinee performance