Steel Magnolias
Fri, 16 Feb 2001, 11:00 pmWalter Plinge5 posts in thread
Steel Magnolias
Fri, 16 Feb 2001, 11:00 pmI don't think I've ever seen anything from Wanneroo Rep on this site before - doesn't anyone in the northern latitudes have access to the Internet?.
The lovely Dr M and I made the 100 km round trip to the Limelight Theatre to see Wanneroo Rep's production of "Steel Magnolias". Whilst it's always interesting seeing another group tackle a production you've previously been involved with, you do suffer from the familiarity. I've always thought that "Steel Mags" is a great play. It tells an involving (true) story with beginning, middle & end, and manages to weave some hilarious situations and wonderful one-liners - particularly from Ouiser and Clairee (Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis for those trying to remember who is who) - throughout the script. However, being intimately involved with a production a few years ago, I could spot all the laughs coming a mile away, and consequently, for me, this was an amusing nostalgia trip rather than a bellylaugh comedy.
I'm afraid I had a problem with the disappointingly brief programme. There was no information whatsoever about any of the cast or crew. Not getting up to the top of the freeway too often, I have no idea if the cast were newcomers or veterans, or whether this was the directorial debut for Brenda Redding.
The cast did a serviceable job, but were obviously struggling with the enforced Southern US accents. Subsequently, the projection suffered in places and there were a few line flubs (which I probably picked up because of my knowledge of the script). I thought Shelley Tinsley did a very good job as M'Lynn (Sally Field). She portrayed a lovely sense of calm under fire and quiet, yet biting, sarcasm, but was still able to let loose in Scene 4. Charlotte Simmonds was a very cute and perky Shelby -difficult to play in the shadow of Julia Roberts (whose movie portrayal brought her to worldwide attention). Although if Shelby has such a fixation for the colour pink, why wasn't she wearing it in Scene 1? Charlotte managed to do some sort of - hard to describe - amazing jaw-and-cheek-shuddering facial contortions during Shelby's infamous diabetic attack. However, I was a bit worried by the director's decision for Shelby's response to her Mother's entreaties to drink some juice, to be in the style of, "Not right now, thank you, Mother," rather than the traditional, "GET THE HELL OUTTA MY FACE." Oh well, just my opinion.
The set was great, and although I didn't actually SEE any running water, there must have been some water somewhere, since Annelle somehow managed to wash M'Lynn's hair. Congratulations too on the grotesque Christmas decorations (are we allowed to say "Christmas" in an American play?). The gunshot sound effects were a bit muted, but we got picked up on the exact same thing when we did the show years ago. Take note, future "Steel Mags" directors - it's a trap to avoid! The house was full (on a Thursday!) and the audience obviously enjoyed the performance. Don't be a stranger to this page, Wanneroo Rep.
JB
The lovely Dr M and I made the 100 km round trip to the Limelight Theatre to see Wanneroo Rep's production of "Steel Magnolias". Whilst it's always interesting seeing another group tackle a production you've previously been involved with, you do suffer from the familiarity. I've always thought that "Steel Mags" is a great play. It tells an involving (true) story with beginning, middle & end, and manages to weave some hilarious situations and wonderful one-liners - particularly from Ouiser and Clairee (Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis for those trying to remember who is who) - throughout the script. However, being intimately involved with a production a few years ago, I could spot all the laughs coming a mile away, and consequently, for me, this was an amusing nostalgia trip rather than a bellylaugh comedy.
I'm afraid I had a problem with the disappointingly brief programme. There was no information whatsoever about any of the cast or crew. Not getting up to the top of the freeway too often, I have no idea if the cast were newcomers or veterans, or whether this was the directorial debut for Brenda Redding.
The cast did a serviceable job, but were obviously struggling with the enforced Southern US accents. Subsequently, the projection suffered in places and there were a few line flubs (which I probably picked up because of my knowledge of the script). I thought Shelley Tinsley did a very good job as M'Lynn (Sally Field). She portrayed a lovely sense of calm under fire and quiet, yet biting, sarcasm, but was still able to let loose in Scene 4. Charlotte Simmonds was a very cute and perky Shelby -difficult to play in the shadow of Julia Roberts (whose movie portrayal brought her to worldwide attention). Although if Shelby has such a fixation for the colour pink, why wasn't she wearing it in Scene 1? Charlotte managed to do some sort of - hard to describe - amazing jaw-and-cheek-shuddering facial contortions during Shelby's infamous diabetic attack. However, I was a bit worried by the director's decision for Shelby's response to her Mother's entreaties to drink some juice, to be in the style of, "Not right now, thank you, Mother," rather than the traditional, "GET THE HELL OUTTA MY FACE." Oh well, just my opinion.
The set was great, and although I didn't actually SEE any running water, there must have been some water somewhere, since Annelle somehow managed to wash M'Lynn's hair. Congratulations too on the grotesque Christmas decorations (are we allowed to say "Christmas" in an American play?). The gunshot sound effects were a bit muted, but we got picked up on the exact same thing when we did the show years ago. Take note, future "Steel Mags" directors - it's a trap to avoid! The house was full (on a Thursday!) and the audience obviously enjoyed the performance. Don't be a stranger to this page, Wanneroo Rep.
JB
Walter PlingeFri, 16 Feb 2001, 11:00 pm
I don't think I've ever seen anything from Wanneroo Rep on this site before - doesn't anyone in the northern latitudes have access to the Internet?.
The lovely Dr M and I made the 100 km round trip to the Limelight Theatre to see Wanneroo Rep's production of "Steel Magnolias". Whilst it's always interesting seeing another group tackle a production you've previously been involved with, you do suffer from the familiarity. I've always thought that "Steel Mags" is a great play. It tells an involving (true) story with beginning, middle & end, and manages to weave some hilarious situations and wonderful one-liners - particularly from Ouiser and Clairee (Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis for those trying to remember who is who) - throughout the script. However, being intimately involved with a production a few years ago, I could spot all the laughs coming a mile away, and consequently, for me, this was an amusing nostalgia trip rather than a bellylaugh comedy.
I'm afraid I had a problem with the disappointingly brief programme. There was no information whatsoever about any of the cast or crew. Not getting up to the top of the freeway too often, I have no idea if the cast were newcomers or veterans, or whether this was the directorial debut for Brenda Redding.
The cast did a serviceable job, but were obviously struggling with the enforced Southern US accents. Subsequently, the projection suffered in places and there were a few line flubs (which I probably picked up because of my knowledge of the script). I thought Shelley Tinsley did a very good job as M'Lynn (Sally Field). She portrayed a lovely sense of calm under fire and quiet, yet biting, sarcasm, but was still able to let loose in Scene 4. Charlotte Simmonds was a very cute and perky Shelby -difficult to play in the shadow of Julia Roberts (whose movie portrayal brought her to worldwide attention). Although if Shelby has such a fixation for the colour pink, why wasn't she wearing it in Scene 1? Charlotte managed to do some sort of - hard to describe - amazing jaw-and-cheek-shuddering facial contortions during Shelby's infamous diabetic attack. However, I was a bit worried by the director's decision for Shelby's response to her Mother's entreaties to drink some juice, to be in the style of, "Not right now, thank you, Mother," rather than the traditional, "GET THE HELL OUTTA MY FACE." Oh well, just my opinion.
The set was great, and although I didn't actually SEE any running water, there must have been some water somewhere, since Annelle somehow managed to wash M'Lynn's hair. Congratulations too on the grotesque Christmas decorations (are we allowed to say "Christmas" in an American play?). The gunshot sound effects were a bit muted, but we got picked up on the exact same thing when we did the show years ago. Take note, future "Steel Mags" directors - it's a trap to avoid! The house was full (on a Thursday!) and the audience obviously enjoyed the performance. Don't be a stranger to this page, Wanneroo Rep.
JB
The lovely Dr M and I made the 100 km round trip to the Limelight Theatre to see Wanneroo Rep's production of "Steel Magnolias". Whilst it's always interesting seeing another group tackle a production you've previously been involved with, you do suffer from the familiarity. I've always thought that "Steel Mags" is a great play. It tells an involving (true) story with beginning, middle & end, and manages to weave some hilarious situations and wonderful one-liners - particularly from Ouiser and Clairee (Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis for those trying to remember who is who) - throughout the script. However, being intimately involved with a production a few years ago, I could spot all the laughs coming a mile away, and consequently, for me, this was an amusing nostalgia trip rather than a bellylaugh comedy.
I'm afraid I had a problem with the disappointingly brief programme. There was no information whatsoever about any of the cast or crew. Not getting up to the top of the freeway too often, I have no idea if the cast were newcomers or veterans, or whether this was the directorial debut for Brenda Redding.
The cast did a serviceable job, but were obviously struggling with the enforced Southern US accents. Subsequently, the projection suffered in places and there were a few line flubs (which I probably picked up because of my knowledge of the script). I thought Shelley Tinsley did a very good job as M'Lynn (Sally Field). She portrayed a lovely sense of calm under fire and quiet, yet biting, sarcasm, but was still able to let loose in Scene 4. Charlotte Simmonds was a very cute and perky Shelby -difficult to play in the shadow of Julia Roberts (whose movie portrayal brought her to worldwide attention). Although if Shelby has such a fixation for the colour pink, why wasn't she wearing it in Scene 1? Charlotte managed to do some sort of - hard to describe - amazing jaw-and-cheek-shuddering facial contortions during Shelby's infamous diabetic attack. However, I was a bit worried by the director's decision for Shelby's response to her Mother's entreaties to drink some juice, to be in the style of, "Not right now, thank you, Mother," rather than the traditional, "GET THE HELL OUTTA MY FACE." Oh well, just my opinion.
The set was great, and although I didn't actually SEE any running water, there must have been some water somewhere, since Annelle somehow managed to wash M'Lynn's hair. Congratulations too on the grotesque Christmas decorations (are we allowed to say "Christmas" in an American play?). The gunshot sound effects were a bit muted, but we got picked up on the exact same thing when we did the show years ago. Take note, future "Steel Mags" directors - it's a trap to avoid! The house was full (on a Thursday!) and the audience obviously enjoyed the performance. Don't be a stranger to this page, Wanneroo Rep.
JB
Walter PlingeSun, 18 Feb 2001, 09:47 pm
RE: Steel Magnolias
Hi Jarrod,
Just in response to your review, I wanted to add some light on the subject.
Jarrod wrote:
"I'm afraid I had a problem with the disappointingly brief programme. There was no information whatsoever about any of the cast or crew. Not getting up to the top of the freeway too often, I have no idea if the cast were newcomers or veterans, or whether this was the directorial debut for Brenda Redding. "
This programme format is fairly standard for the theatre. All of the actors (Except for Charlotte to my knowledge) are veterans of the Wanneroo Rep and have had leading roles in many shows.
Brenda Redding is an experienced director who directs regularly at the rep. I think the water was in the basin and Anelle was wetting her hair with her hands. I thought they did quite a good job of the onstage hairdressing considering they aren't trained hairdressers.
I would have to agree that Shelley Tinsley was the stand out performer of the show, but that Charlotte (Shelby) and Celeste (Anelle) were also excellent.
I agree about the accents, they tended to be a bit slow and stilted at times, and some of the voices were hard to hear at times. Ouiser lacked the meanness and humour of Shirley Maclaine, and unfortunately the famous scene where Clairee pushes Ouiser out to be hit by M'lynn didn't quite capture the humour. I also noticed some line fluffs (on the last night) which were quite obvious with prompting being done from onstage!
By the way, Shelbee was wearing pink in the first scene, it was a very deep pink top with white shorts, and quite a different shade to that worn in the other scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed the production thoroughly, and thought it was a good attempt at a difficult play. Wanneroo Reps next play is Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
Just in response to your review, I wanted to add some light on the subject.
Jarrod wrote:
"I'm afraid I had a problem with the disappointingly brief programme. There was no information whatsoever about any of the cast or crew. Not getting up to the top of the freeway too often, I have no idea if the cast were newcomers or veterans, or whether this was the directorial debut for Brenda Redding. "
This programme format is fairly standard for the theatre. All of the actors (Except for Charlotte to my knowledge) are veterans of the Wanneroo Rep and have had leading roles in many shows.
Brenda Redding is an experienced director who directs regularly at the rep. I think the water was in the basin and Anelle was wetting her hair with her hands. I thought they did quite a good job of the onstage hairdressing considering they aren't trained hairdressers.
I would have to agree that Shelley Tinsley was the stand out performer of the show, but that Charlotte (Shelby) and Celeste (Anelle) were also excellent.
I agree about the accents, they tended to be a bit slow and stilted at times, and some of the voices were hard to hear at times. Ouiser lacked the meanness and humour of Shirley Maclaine, and unfortunately the famous scene where Clairee pushes Ouiser out to be hit by M'lynn didn't quite capture the humour. I also noticed some line fluffs (on the last night) which were quite obvious with prompting being done from onstage!
By the way, Shelbee was wearing pink in the first scene, it was a very deep pink top with white shorts, and quite a different shade to that worn in the other scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed the production thoroughly, and thought it was a good attempt at a difficult play. Wanneroo Reps next play is Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
Grant MalcolmMon, 19 Feb 2001, 06:34 am
RE: Steel Magnolias
Hi Jarrod and Chris
I've often wondered too whether anyone at Wanneroo reads this site. Certainly there hasn't been anyone from there adding their show details!
Some people still seem to have mistaken ideas about how this site operates. Please don't sit back and expect that someone else will always ferret out information about your company and add your shows. The whole point of the site is to enable you to share some of that workload!
A couple of Perth metro clubs are the worst contenders when it comes to adding information about their own events - and Wanneroo is one of those. Oddly enough, some of the regional and interstate companies (Bunbury have their entire 2001 season listed!) are using this site to the best advantage.
If you'd like a password to update Wanneroo's details, Chris, just let me know! I'd be only to happy to have someone from Wanneroo taking a more active interest. At the moment i'm lucky if i get details on some Perth metro shows by the time they open.
Cheers
Grant
I've often wondered too whether anyone at Wanneroo reads this site. Certainly there hasn't been anyone from there adding their show details!
Some people still seem to have mistaken ideas about how this site operates. Please don't sit back and expect that someone else will always ferret out information about your company and add your shows. The whole point of the site is to enable you to share some of that workload!
A couple of Perth metro clubs are the worst contenders when it comes to adding information about their own events - and Wanneroo is one of those. Oddly enough, some of the regional and interstate companies (Bunbury have their entire 2001 season listed!) are using this site to the best advantage.
If you'd like a password to update Wanneroo's details, Chris, just let me know! I'd be only to happy to have someone from Wanneroo taking a more active interest. At the moment i'm lucky if i get details on some Perth metro shows by the time they open.
Cheers
Grant
Walter PlingeTue, 20 Feb 2001, 09:27 am
RE: Steel Magnolias
Hi Chris (and Grant),
Great to see someone from Wanneroo is out there (I guess poking the bear works...)
>>This programme format is fairly standard for the theatre.
Hmmm, bit of a worry. As I said, I was disappointed, so I'd be inclined to wonder how many other patrons may feel the same. I'm tempted to start a discussion in the GOSSIP section, "Do you think programmes should contain biographies, director's notes, background information, etc". It would certainly save someone like yourself getting on this page and explaining things after the fact.
>> I think the water was in the basin and Anelle was wetting her hair with her hands.
Arrgghh! Don't destroy the magic, man!
>> I also noticed some line fluffs (on the last night) which were quite obvious with prompting being done from onstage!
Oh dear, it wasn't as bad as that on the night I saw the show.
>> By the way, Shelbee was wearing pink in the first scene, it was a very deep pink top with white shorts, and quite a different shade to that worn in the other scenes.
Ha ha ha! Thought thatÂ’d get a response. My wife and I had the exact same argument. However, I maintain my stance: Shelby's top was neither "blush" nor "bashful", though if we're looking for B words, I'd have to say it was burgundy (ie, not pink).
>> Wanneroo Reps next play is Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
Starring Dean Schulze, no doubt. Great news. Lets hope we see more information on this page closer to the season!
Thanks for playing,
JB
Great to see someone from Wanneroo is out there (I guess poking the bear works...)
>>This programme format is fairly standard for the theatre.
Hmmm, bit of a worry. As I said, I was disappointed, so I'd be inclined to wonder how many other patrons may feel the same. I'm tempted to start a discussion in the GOSSIP section, "Do you think programmes should contain biographies, director's notes, background information, etc". It would certainly save someone like yourself getting on this page and explaining things after the fact.
>> I think the water was in the basin and Anelle was wetting her hair with her hands.
Arrgghh! Don't destroy the magic, man!
>> I also noticed some line fluffs (on the last night) which were quite obvious with prompting being done from onstage!
Oh dear, it wasn't as bad as that on the night I saw the show.
>> By the way, Shelbee was wearing pink in the first scene, it was a very deep pink top with white shorts, and quite a different shade to that worn in the other scenes.
Ha ha ha! Thought thatÂ’d get a response. My wife and I had the exact same argument. However, I maintain my stance: Shelby's top was neither "blush" nor "bashful", though if we're looking for B words, I'd have to say it was burgundy (ie, not pink).
>> Wanneroo Reps next play is Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
Starring Dean Schulze, no doubt. Great news. Lets hope we see more information on this page closer to the season!
Thanks for playing,
JB
KimberleyTue, 20 Feb 2001, 09:40 am
RE: Steel Magnolias
Wanneroo's Programmes as far as I can recall (I see a good percentage of their shows), never contain bio or other information.
I find it a continual disappointment. I have commented on this in some Stage Whispers Reviews, but have stopped complaining about it (in the reviews anyway) as it was becoming repetative.
I firmly believe, especially when you have such a strong regular following like Wanneroo, that the audience want to know that the actress in the lead "tonight" is the same 'lovely girl' that they saw in such a different role six or twelve months ago.
Kim
I find it a continual disappointment. I have commented on this in some Stage Whispers Reviews, but have stopped complaining about it (in the reviews anyway) as it was becoming repetative.
I firmly believe, especially when you have such a strong regular following like Wanneroo, that the audience want to know that the actress in the lead "tonight" is the same 'lovely girl' that they saw in such a different role six or twelve months ago.
Kim