Funny, sympathetic characters make 'Steel Magnolias'

View larger image Cast members of “Steel Magnolias” perform recently at Wayside Theatre in Middletown. From left are Faith Potts, Sarah Melinda, Ilona Dulaski, Dana Colagiovanni and Tracey Copeland Halter. Courtesy photo Recommend This Print This Get E-mail News Alerts Buy Photos/Page Reprints * Breaking News If local news is breaking and you know about it: * Call Us: 800-296-5137 * E-mail Us * Upload Your Photos

By John Horan Jr.-jhoran@nvdaily.com

MIDDLETOWN--Although the everyday goings-on at a beauty parlor are the stuff of "Steel Magnolias," which opened on Sunday at Wayside Theatre, the play boasts six quirky female characters who make it an enjoyable comedy with touches of pathos.

Much of Robert Harling's work smacks of a situation comedy although the jokes are funnier. The scenes are static and were it not for the medical problems of Shelby, the young bride determined to become a mother, "Steel Magnolias" would be pure escapism. But her troubles and their emotional impact on the other characters give the play a reality that is touching.

Director William Diggle molds the actors into a smooth, affectionate ensemble that shows each of them to advantage. Although a couple of the characters are not as fleshed out as the other roles, all of them, nevertheless, shine.

Dana Colagiovanni displays the greatest range as M'Lynn, Shelby's mother who provides "Steel Magnolias" its dramatic heft. While she joins in the frivolity the other denizens of the shop revel in, she also gallantly bears the burden of her daughter's hopes and misfortunes.

As Shelby, the tragic center of the play, Emelie Faith Thompson is always sympathetic but never maudlin.

Ilona Dulaski, the crotchety Ousier, gets most of the laughs, but even her saucy personality is tempered by dollops of compassion.

Tracey Copeland Halter is the perky, down-to-earth shop owner and Faith Potts the sharp-witted football fan who blossoms as a widow.

Sarah Melinda has the goofiest role, Annelle, the new girl on the block who goes overboard, first with kitschy crafts and then with fundamentalist religion. It's the sketchiest part -- not much more than a bundle of quirks -- but she makes it entertaining.

Heather Reid's spacious, utilitarian set even includes running water. Wes Calkin's lighting is apt.

Tamara M. Carruthers supplies the stylish costumes and Annelle's psychedelic duds.

"Steel Magnolias" continues through Sept. 24. The box office phone number is 869-1776.