Robert Harlings Steel Magnolias premiered off-Broadway at the

 WPA Theater in 1987, then quickly transferred to the Lucille Lortel

 Theater and became an instant sensation, running for three years and

 spawning a hit movie.  It's an enormously entertaining comedy-drama,

 slick and chock full of great lines you'll be laughing at long after

 you leave the theater.  

     The Falcon Theater in Burbank has staged a winning revival of this

 sturdy crowd pleaser.  The story is quite simple:  Six very southern 

ladies gather in a beauty shop over the course of a few years and share 

each others lives as only good friends can.  There's plenty of talk 

about men, love, sex, age, coffee, neighbors, children, and ultimately 

sickness.  The enduring theme of female bonding and strength in the 

face of adversity is given a terrific workout here, not just by the 

playwright but by a fine cast of talented actresses for this particular 

production.

     Beth Grant is wonderful as Truvy, the proprietress of the salon 

and the glue that holds the group together.  Providing the haven for 

these women to gather, she also gains temporary respite from her 

listless marriage and disappointing sons.  Ruta Lee is a hoot as the 

rich widow Clairee, full of sharply humorous insight but still gently 

mourning her beloved.  Kathryn Joosten is lovable as the ornery Ouiser, 

finding the heart in her character amidst all the crankiness.  Madison 

Dunaway and Beth Anne Garrison are incredibly moving as the youngsters 

in this group, and Karen Valentine is a revelation as M'Lynn, carrying 

the emotional burden of the show with understated brilliance.

     Skillfully directed by D. Lynn Meyers, this lovely production will 

have you laughing and crying ‘til the end.  At this writing, there are 

hopes of extending the play either at the Falcon or at another theater,

 and if that happens, by all means go!  Steel Magnolias is strong and

 engaging stuff to be sure, and you're not likely to find a more 

bewitching cast of actresses to bring it to life.

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