STAGE REVIEW : ‘Steel Magnolias’ Is a Sweet Bouquet That Doesn’t Fade

CYPRESS —  Perhaps it was intentional, perhaps not. But two photos thathang on the wall of the beauty parlor in the Cypress Civic Theatre Guild’s production of “Steel Magnolias” use hairstyle models who resemble Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts, stars of the 1989 movie of Robert Harling’s tear-jerker.

While use of those pictures might make it look as if the Cypress troupe intended to milk the movie’s success, nothing could be further from the truth about a production that draws on far more modest resources. But under Jeanne Sanner’s direction, it nonetheless successfully presents a tragicomic look at the lives of six women in a small Louisiana town.

Through a series of events focusing on the life of Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (Melinda Zommick), this production spirals into such a tight identification of the characters with each other that a death devastates the group’s chumminess. As Shelby, Zommick matures before our eyes through marriage, childbirth and the repercussions of her diseased kidney. She heroically handles the ebb and flow of her illness; her renewed confidence after receiving her mother’s kidney makes the ending all the more heart-rending.

The other five older women gravitate toward Shelby’s simple joy like bees toward honey. Like a good talk-show hostess, Jill Wagner, in her role of salon proprietor Truvy Jones, brings out the best in the group. In her privileged position, this savvy woman has heard it all. Her chatty authority holds the group together through thick and thin. Tricia Manning plays Annelle Dupuy-DeSoto, Truvy’s new assistant. Quiet, awkwardly gawky at first, Annelle becomes more comfortable and makes more of a contribution to the group once she gets to know the women. Her newly revealed religious nature lends stability later on when it is needed.

As Clairee Belcher, Corrine Williams is regal in time of crisis. The kooky humor Anita Russell brings to Quiser Boudreaux is welcome. Finally, Laurel Koelsch is M’Lynn Eatenton, Shelby’s mother. Her moment of impassioned grief near the end is especially effective.

The lights slowly dim at the end: in this production, the women blossom but they do not fade; their memory lingers, their physical presence carries on as if cut from steel.

‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’

A Cypress Civic Theatre Guild production of Robert Harling’s drama. Directed by Jeanne Sanner. Produced by C. Martin. With Melinda Zommick, Jill Wagner, Tricia Manning, Corrine Williams, Anita Russell, Laurel Koelsch. Lighting and sound by Kelly Sherwood. Artistic director: Holly Cummings. Sets by Phil Lubman, Dave Lewis, Lynn Carlson. Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Runs through March 23 at the Cypress Cultural Arts Center, 5172 Orange Ave., Cypress. Information: (714) 229-6796.