“Steel Magnolias”

[rating=5] A “Master ” class in theater! That is what you will say! If you love theater, then I would suggest you find a way to go to Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook to witness a one of a kind production. While this theater is known for its large scale musical productions, they have been doing non-musicals every season as well. Yes, one classic after another, but the current production of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” is not just a classic story, it is a production that will allow you to see six amazing actresses under the direction of Johanna McKenzie Miller , on a set by Angela Weber Miller, tell us a story about love and friendship.

I know that most everyone has seen the movie with its star-studded cast: Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley Maclaine and Julia Roberts, BUT I must tell you that Drury Lane’s cast will make you forget about each and every one of them. In the beginning you might want to compare, but by the second scene, you will be so entranced by the ladies on the stage, you will forget about the film. Yes, this is live theater at its best!. It is truly a “love story” of a different nature.

The story takes place in Louisiana, in a small community and in a beauty shop called Truvy’s ( Truvy is played to perfection by Elizabeth Ledo). The shop is far more than a salon, it is a meeting place for the women in town. They do get their hair done as well as their nails, but they sit and talk about life and drink their coffee and bond. They are friends and sisters. Truvy has just hired a new worker, Annelle (deftly handled by Lillian Castillo), a recent arrival to town. Over the four scenes in this story, we will witness her changes and how she has become one of the “family”.

The other four ladies that make up this sterling cast are Amy J. Carle as M’Lynn, mother of Shelby ( a sizzling performance by Cordelia Dewdney), Clairee ( Susie McMonagale) and Janet Ulrich Brooks as Ouiser. Each one brings a special feeling to the character they bring to life, and they do “bring them to life”. The play opens with Shelby preparing for her wedding. It is during this scene that we learn about her diabetes. She marries,  moves away, but comes back every so often to visit Mother and the “girls”. The four scenes are April and December ( Christmas) in Act One and in Act Two 18 months later, June and then the following November.

During the story, many things take place and we see the changes in their lives. Most of the changes are with Annelle ( Castillo is a hoot),, Clairee and of course Shelby. We are witness to these ladies facing the challenges that life brings. One of those is loss of life and how they deal with it. I don’t want to give away anything, but I suggest you bring at least three tissues with you for Act two. There is a section where Carle will have you sniffling or in tears, not once, but twice. I said it before and I will say it again, Miller has assembled a cast that will make you forget the film.

The tech parts of this production are also sheer perfection. The costumes by Jessica Pabst, the lighting by Lindsay Lyddan, the sound by Sarah Ramos hair and wig design by Emily Young and props by Cassy Schillo round out an all female production that I truly feel will win a number of Jeff Awards. I would pick them for Ensemble for sure. There is not another ensemble that can touch these six ( including “Six”). Running time 2 hours and 20 minutes.

“Steel Magnolias” should be on your “MUST SEE” list and will continue at Drury Lane Oakbrook thru August 7th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  1:30 p.m.

Thursdays  1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets start at $64 ( seniors save $5 on Wednesday and Thursday matinees

They also have dining packages available.

Call the box office at 630-530-0111

or vist www.DruryLane.com

The theater is located at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace ( just north of the Oakbrook Center)

Plenty of free parking and valet parking is available.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Steel Magnolias”. Again, if you enjoy theater ,this is one you must see!