Funky Little Theater Company presents a traveling production of the Robert Harling favorite
Strong Southern women in a small town ’80s-era beauty parlor have all the trappings of a successfully staged comedy. While there are impressive individual performances, Funky Little Theater Company’s production of perennial favorite Steel Magnolias falls short but is still an evening of worthy entertainment running through March 12.
The 1987 play by Robert Harling was made into a blockbuster movie in 1989 with a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Sally Fields and Dolly Parton. It is a fan favorite with its kooky characters and endearing knocks at Southern life.
But Funky’s interpretation is hit and miss. The rich characters are predictably flamboyant, but with varying degrees of credibility. The production is further hindered by awkward staging, slow pacing and some less-than-stellar acting.
Truvy (Nancy Holaday) is the glue that binds this gaggle of multi-generational ladies, all of whom have a standing Saturday morning appointment at her salon. A theatre and music teacher by day, Holaday knows theatrical timing and delivery, embracing Truvy’s ’80s fashion sense from the garish blue eye shadow to the curly perm of the day.
Her new assistant, Annelle (Eleanor Jones) plays awkward well, scurrying about while rolling and teasing the hair of patrons. Her backstory is an intriguing mystery which Jones plays with a reserved nuance and subtle humor as she develops and becomes part of the quirky brood.
Clairee is a wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin Parish, portrayed by Teri McClintock who is a seasoned performer but who comes across stiff in this role. She and her bestie Ouisier (Susan Hollis) deliver some zingers as the town’s matrons, all-knowing and amusingly opinionated. Hollis is the town’s outspoken curmudgeon, devouring her delicious role as she proudly sports her frosted layered ’do in a snappy athletic suit, navigating a difficult stage with agility.
Relatable mother-daughter dynamics emerge between M’Lynn (Cara D. Pearce) and Shelby (Ivy Patterson). Shelby’s upcoming wedding to the unseen Jackson has the town abuzz as the ladies of Chinquapin Parish ready themselves to take center stage in their big hair and ’80s pastels. But unforeseen circumstances around Shelby’s health threaten their collective happiness.
As Shelby, Patterson is a standout in stage presence, diction, and her unrelenting defense of pink as the best color ever. Pearce and Patterson have strong moments of connectivity amid the comic antics of their friends.
Funky has struggled to find its place (literally) almost since its start. The charming but small stage at Ivywild school is simply too limiting for this play and its ensemble. The actors struggle up steps and maneuver around distracting obstacles. (Future showings are at Palmer Lake Town Hall March 3-5 and Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park March 10-12.)
The five-person all-female cast perfect the accent and brashness of their personas. Each plays a Southern stereotype with vigor and passion. The final act is a game changer with the actors flexing their dramatic chops as the women cope with conflict around profound loss. They truly are delicate magnolias but tough as steel when the chips are down.
Well-written, the storyline is deeper than may initially present as friendships are tested but ultimately strengthened. Humor is ever-present and the actors maintain their quirky characters throughout. What the movie expands, the staged story reduces to a deep and thoughtful dive into the bonds of friendship that is timeless.
April Tooke is a long-time Colorado Springs resident, long past performer and steadfast patron of the performing arts. By day, she works in administration with a local school district while always seeking out a next theatrical experience.
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