Theater Review: “Steel Magnolias” at Niantic Bay Playhouse

“Steel Magnolias” is performed at the Niantic Bay Playhouse, “where the stars meet the sea.” The Playhouse is located at 279 Main Street.The comedy-drama “Steel Magnolias” has returned to Niantic Bay Playhouse, the new home of East Lyme Regional Theater. Executive Director Erin Sousa-Stanley, who founded the group 12 years ago, invited me to attend a production and gave me a tour of the former movie theater that is slowly being converted.

“Steel Magnolias,” written by Robert Harling, first premiered in 1987 and quickly became a beloved classic, both on stage and on film. The story is based on Harding’s experience with his sister’s death. This revival sets out to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of love.

The play takes place in a small town beauty salon in Louisiana and follows the lives of six vibrant women who forge deep bonds while navigating the joys and challenges of life. Through laughter and tears, the characters demonstrate the strength of female friendship and the indomitable spirit of the Southern woman.

The Niantic Bay production of “Steel Magnolias” is directed by Rob McGory. As a professional hairstylist, the director felt that he “understood the camaraderie between, not only the stylists, but also the relationships that form with regular clients.” He worked with the cast to bring an authentic portrayal of these iconic characters and Sousa-Stanley served as producer.The pacing of some of the exchanges at the packed matinee that I attended was a bit laid back, as if being delivered in a comfortable Southern drawl. Only because I know many of the lines so well did I notice that some lines gave a few of the actresses trouble. The all-female cast features an ensemble of actors who do their best to bring their timeless characters to life.

Dale Magnunson, who has done numerous musicals and plays over her 23 years on the stage, does very well with the role of the curmudgeon Ouiser. Magnunson takes the opportunity to dedicate the show to her friend Carol, who played this same character before her death last year.In her second Niantic Bay production, Jordan Adams is quite adorable as the new hairstylist Annelle and I loved watching the transformation of her character. Adams has appeared in “Winter Wonderettes” at Ivoryton Playhouse and “Cinderella” at Seven Angels.

Kate Eberle gives her first Connecticut performance since ELRT’s “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2017. She plays the lovely Shelby, a young Type 1 diabetic striving to live life to the fullest.

Mary Sue Frishman makes her Niantic Bay debut in the role of Clairee and Susan Zizza Maguire, a soprano with The Chorus of Westerly, does well with the role of salon owner Truvy.

Tina Falivene gives a strong performance as M’Lynn, the devoted mother of Shelby, and she nails the emotional outburst in the final scene.

The production features a good scenic design (by the director) that brings the audience to the intimate beauty salon where the story unfolds through four holiday seasons in Chinquapin, Louisiana in 1986. The costumes designed by Kathleen Wilts, with some wig design by Bryn Martin, reflect the well-drawn personalities of the characters as well as the era. Set decor is credited to Liz Hall and Susan Maguire and props were designed by Wilts and Liz Hall.

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” – Truvy Jones

This play has stood the test of time due to its universal appeal and relatability. It remains one of my favorite plays because Harling presents a true representation of what his family endured mixed with a healthy amount of light comedy.

“Steel Magnolias” is performed at the Niantic Bay Playhouse, “where the stars meet the sea.” The Playhouse is located at 279 Main Street, in the lovely village of Niantic, CT through Nov. 4. The play is presented with one intermission. Get tickets at Nianticbayplayhouse.org or call the box office at (860) 850-5072.

Next up will be “A Christmas Carol” running Dec. 1 – 17.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.