Julia Roberts received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Shelby Eatenton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. Written by American Robert Harling, the heartfelt story was based on his 1987 stage play, being a tribute to his sister, who tragically died. Now, a highly talented cast has done a fine job reviving the laughter and the tears inherent in the moving tale.
It is set in the late 1980s in a beauty parlour called Turvy’s, named after its empathetic proprietor. It speaks to the friendship of a group of southern women in northwest Louisiana. Doing their hair and nails is all but an excuse to come together and share their personal news and views. Make no mistake, several could all but talk the spots off a Dalmatian. In short, there is incessant conversation.
Truvy Jones has just hired a new young stylist, Annelle Dupuy. At first, Annelle reveals little of her background. That is until the truth outs that she has been abandoned by her husband, with little if anything to her name. On her first shift, two important clients are Shelby Eatenton, who is to be married that day, and her ever concerned mother, M’Lynn, a mental health counsellor.
Mother and daughter are close, but Shelby, who has Type 1 diabetes, has had a variety of health issues and been advised not to have children, due to the risk. Mind you, that doesn’t undermine the cheery disposition Shelby adopts. Later, tension arises when she announces she has fallen pregnant. Among the other regulars at the salon are Clairee Belcher, the widow of the town’s former Mayor. And then there is the highly strung, never satisfied Ouiser Boudreaux, who makes unforgettable entrances.
The title of the play is drawn from the strength, beauty and fragility in the words steel and magnolias. As such, the contention never ages. Several of the one liners are priceless. Here are just a few: “Louie brought his new girlfriend over, and the nicest thing I can say about her is all her tattoos are spelled correctly.” “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a very bad mood 40 years!” “Ouiser, you sound almost chipper. What happened today – you run over a small child or something?”
The performances of the six cast are uniformly strong, and all have their time to shine. I speak of Mandy Bishop as Truvy, Lotte Beckett as Annelle, Jessica Redmayne as Shelby, Lisa McCune as M’Lynn, Belinda Giblin as Ouiser, and Tracy Mann as Clairee. They embrace their roles with passion, care and conviction. You long to hear what comes out of their mouths and how they deliver their zingers.
In fact, there are some very special moments in this production. I love the unfiltered optimism that Jessica Redmayne carries as Shelby. And the emotion that resonates in the last scene is all encompassing. Through it, Lisa McCune is so impressive.
On a broader scale, I immediately warmed to the busy salon set, which is a mainstay of the production, as well as the colourful attire of the cast. The set and costume designer is Simone Romaniuk. Also slick is the composition and sound design of Brady Watkins, while the ambiance is captured with Paul Jackson’s lighting design.
Director Lee Lewis has crafted a most entertaining and engaging show that addresses deeply human instincts. Two and a half hours, including interval, Steel Magnolias is on at the Athenaeum Theatre, until 16th August, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- 33 Variations (Comedy Theatre) – theatre review
- The 39 Steps (Comedy Theatre and touring) – theatre review ★★★★★
- Girl from the North Country (Comedy Theatre) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
