Robert Harling's 1987 play STEEL MAGNOLIAS has an interesting history. Opening in a small off-Broadway house, it was so successful that Hollywood bought the rights before it could be moved to Broadway. The film version premiered in 1989, and would prove to be the launchpad to stardom for a young actress named Juia Roberts. That cast also included Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Darryl Hannah, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacClaine, who after reading the script, told producers she wanted to play the "bitchy one".
Unlike the film, which was expanded to include the men in the ladies lives, the original cast had one location, a beauty shop, and an all female cast. I have always preferred the stage version, because I think it creates a stronger tribute to the women. It is less well known that the play is based on real life characters, and that Shelby is based on the sister of the playwright.
What began as a somber memory play evolved into tragicomedy when early audiences were obviously savoring and reacting to the chatter and gossip in the beauty shop. So the play was re-shaped, and in present form is notable for creating a formidable acting challenge for actresses that must create accents and perform both comedy and tragedy in the same story.
I am very proud of the actresses of this production, who have worked so hard, and created such memorable characters. Welcome to Louisiana.
