Krista Grimmett-Adams (Clairee), Margaret Anne Murphy (Annelle), Molly Rumberger (Shelby), Miss Kitty (Truvy), and Karen Lange (Ouizer). Photo by William T. Gallagher Photography.
A winning production of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” blossoms in Creative Cauldron’s new theatrical home in Falls Church, VA. Guests are welcomed to the comfortable black box space via a sunny, street-level lobby. A nearby parking garage makes the theatre easily accessible. Under the direction of Laura Connors Hull, Creative Cauldron’s founding artistic director, the talented ensemble cast gives a welcome portrayal of sisterhood at a time when leaning into friendship may be one of the few things that will ensure our survival.
…the talented ensemble cast gives a welcome portrayal of sisterhood…filled with laughs.
Set designer Mergie Jervis captures something special in Truvy’s cozy pink and aqua carport-turned- beauty salon. Palm fronds enhance the overhanging sign and reappear in the salon bench upholstery. Plants positioned throughout the set add to the feeling of Southern warmth even in the Christmas time scene. The perfect carpet graces the salon floor. It is inviting and you would love to get your hair done here! Then you meet the proprietor, the formidable Truvy herself (a delightful performance by Miss Kitty). Now you know you want to stay and get your nails manicured as well. Truvy is trying out a potential new hire, Annelle (Margaret Anne Murphy), who seems to have appeared out of nowhere and is reluctant to reveal much about herself. Upon meeting Truvy’s regular customers—the trim and professional M’Lynn (Mindy Shaw), the wealthy and demanding Miss Clairee (Kriista Grimett-Adams), and the cranky, somewhat insensitive Ouiser (Karen Lange)—we know Annelle’s secrets inevitably will be pried out of her, but in a nice way.
All of these women have made peace with who they are, and their friendship has flourished over the many years they have lived in this Louisiana parish of Chinquapin. M’Lynn’s daughter, Shelby (Molly Rumberger), is the personality yet-to-be-formed. A hopeful young woman soon to be married, she is, in Truvy’s words, “beauty in its purest form.” With such perfection, we sense a minor chord playing under the warmth and loving kindness. Shelby is doomed. It is likely diabetes was more of a death sentence in the U.S. in 1987 when Harling wrote “Steel Magnolias” as a tribute to his sister who died of complications from the disease, but even now, the disease continues to be on the rise.
This immensely popular play is also rather predictable, but despite seeing the end of road at the beginning of the journey, the trip along the way is filled with laughs. The reserved M’Lynn’s eventual revelation of deep anger over her loss is all the more devastating coming after the sunny exposition. There is not one false note in Mindy Shaw’s powerful performance as M’Lynn.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes including one intermission.
Advisory: Recommended for ages 10+.
“Steel Magnolias” runs through March 9, 2025 at Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $35-$45. Student tickets are $20. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
