Cappies: A Strong 'Steel Magnolias' at Maplewood Richmond Heights

By Kaylyn Bauer, of Holt High School

The firing of gunshots signaled the morning of Shelby Eatenton’s wedding in the quaint town of Chinquapin, La., where all the ladies gather at Truvy’s Beauty Shop. The believability of the play was aided heavily by the dynamic relationship between M’Lynn and Shelby Eatenton, showcased by Alex Ford and Maggie Edmondson respectively.

After her marriage to Jackson, Shelby wants what most women want: a child. Her desire is hindered by her Type 1 diabetes and leads to complications. The drama surrounding her marriage and family life is the talk of the beauty shop and tests the bonds of friendship among the ladies.

Set in 1987, “Steel Magnolias” premiered Off-Broadway in 1987 and ran for over a 1,100 performances. It was adapted into a film in 1989 and the play has been adapted into multiple languages. Written by Robert Harling, the play has remained popular and continues to be performed around the world.

From the audience’s first introduction to Truvy Jones, the head hairdresser portrayed by Erin Goodenough, the solid comedic pace of the show was established. Remaining true to her Southern nature, Goodenough was a believable guiding figure for the new hairdresser in town Annelle Dupuy, played by Natalie Mitten. Goodenough and Mitten were both strong throughout the night in their character development and portrayal, even styling the hair of the ladies on stage.

The believability of the play was aided heavily by the dynamic relationship between M’Lynn and Shelby Eatenton, showcased by Alex Ford and Maggie Edmondson respectively. Ford delivered a brilliant performance of a motherly figure beyond her age, including a captivating and moving monologue after the death of her daughter. Edmondson was devoted to her ways and contrasted Ford nicely in the classic mother and daughter relationship.

The constant solid pace of the play received comic relief and a high quantity of energy from Jena Doering and Jaszmyn Epps, who embodied Clairee Belcher and Ouiser Boudreaux. Subtle insults from two ladies toward each other helped to relieve moments of heavy emotion and brought a unique energy to the stage. Believably far older than the other ladies, Doering and Epps were strong throughout the night and got to shine in the second act. Strong character development was crucial to the play and the changing relationship of the ladies was evident and exemplary.

Contributing to the strong believability of the play were the strong technical crews. A silent stage crew changed the set unbeknownst to the audience. The lighting for the evening was spot on with smooth transitions; and except for slight feedback issues, the sound crew did an adequate job. The props throughout the night ranged in time period but helped to aid the set and characters.

The strong cast at showcased the sweet magnolia women of Chinquapin, capable of being strong as steel together in the times of tragedy.

See more photos at Maplewood-Richmond Heights Facebook page.

This Cappies review appeared originally in the St. Louis Beacon.

Last year's MRH production of .