Tin Building Theatre opens two-week run with stellar performance of Harling’s beloved classic “Steel Magnolias”
The title Steel Magnolias perfectly describes the women at the heart of Robert Harling’s beloved play and subsequent movie – graceful and delicate as magnolia blooms but with an inner strength forged by surviving life’s challenges.
During opening night June 5, six female actors did a stellar job bringing Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias to life, adding their own, unique portrayal of the beloved characters to the Harvard Tin Building Theatre stage.
Truvy’s Chinquapin hair salon is the center of life’s highs and lows, from the joys of a wedding and the concerns surrounding a high-risk pregnancy to the grief during a funeral. While young Shelby may be the protagonist in the story, it’s the bonds of the women that surround her that create the deep and timeless impact of the story. And through the tears, the women find the comfort in each other and laughter.
Newcomer to the TBT stage Tia Oliver perfectly captures Annelle’s endearing mix of nervous charm, timidness, sincerity and quiet transformation that blossoms throughout the story. Another first-time actress Andi Ward beautifully captures a blend of Shelby’s “blush and bashful” innocence, quiet strength and spirited resilience that makes her performance memorable.
Danielle Ybarra brings a humorful and warm portrayal of the flamboyant Truvy. JoAnne Grelle expertly brings Clairee’s sharp wit and kindness beneath all the playful sarcasm to the limelight.
Anybody that knows Belinda Prince knows she was made to play Quiser – delightfully sharp-tongued, independent and just plain funny and incredibly warm-hearted.
Then there is Connie Terry’s incredibly moving portrayal of M’Lynn, Shelby’s mother. Her profoundly emotional scene after burying her daughter brought amazement and tears to those watching her talent.
Having played both Shelby and M’Lynn roles, director Lorana Rush was very familiar with the play and its intricacies.
“I continue to be blown away by the audience response to this beloved show,” Rush said after the first two performances. “What made this production so special was the bond the cast developed offstage. They delivered a flawless performance, creating genuine connections with the audience through every laugh, tear, and heartfelt moment.”
Opening night Saturday and the Sunday matinee packed the Harvard Tin Building Theatre with 108 and 150 people respectively for the relatively lengthy play.
“As a director, my most emotional moment came during the curtain call when the cast and crew received a standing ovation,” Rush said. “In that instant, the love, admiration and appreciation from the audience poured onto the stage. It was a powerful reminder of why we do theatre – to create shared experiences that touch hearts and bring people together. I could not be prouder of this remarkable cast and crew.”
Prior to the play, with the Frances Watson Lifetime Achievement Award, Rush bestowed the TBT’s highest honor on her assistant director Debbie Rollins. While every volunteer, performer, director, board member, technician, patron and supporter helped shape the TBT – now in its 46th season – into the extraordinary organization it is today, this specific award recognizes individuals whose service, dedication and love for the theatre have left a lasting impact on generations of performers and audiences alike.
Rollins appeared in numerous productions, served as director and assistant director, supported the children’s theatre summer program, served on the TBT board and for many years created the beautiful floral center pieces enhancing the dinner theatre productions. Behind the scenes Rollins is organized, creative, dependable and endlessly supportive.
“I don’t know anyone more deserving,” Rush said.
According to Rush, Rollins’ unwavering commitment to bringing the art of live theatre to the community, her tireless dedication, wisdom, encouragement and calm presence helped guide the present production every step of the way.
The cast and crew worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the production together, supporting one another and ensuring every detail was just right.
Stage manager Michael Richardson’s tireless attention to detail kept the production running smoothly onstage and behind the scene. Being a first-time set designer, Shannon Birchum’s creative talents perfectly captured the heart and spirit of Truvy’s 1980s Louisiana hair salon. Bringing creativity, collaboration and community together now has her hooked.
With many in the audience knowing the movie and relating to the characters portrayed by Hollywood actresses, these local actresses did an exceptional job making the characters their own, and they pulled the audience in, making them forget everything around them.
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