Steel Magnolias
Richmond Hill Players
May 29-June 1 & June 5-8, 2025
By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Upon walking into Truvy Jones’ beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, (circa late 1980s), I couldn’t help but notice the pictures on the wall- big hair, lots of perms, classic 1980s fashion, PINK- but the subtle, yet profound, homage to the original 1989 movie cast head shots was the real winner!
Richmond Hill Players’ production of Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias directed by Megan McConville, was a heartwarming, enjoyable story which the cast and crew delivered as a performance full of charm, humor, and heartfelt moments. Originally written as a short story to help heal personal experience with death due to diabetic complications, moved to an Off-Broadway play, then to the big screen. At the heart of the story is Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, played with grace and spirit by Leslie Day, whose vibrant life and resilience bring both joy and poignancy to the small-town Louisiana beauty salon where the women of Steel Magnolias gather to share laughter, support, and sorrow.
McConville’s thoughtful direction allowed each actress to shine while creating an authentic sense of friendship and community. Jessica Moore brought warmth and wit to the role of Truvy Jones, the salon’s lively and compassionate owner. Real hair dresser Megan Abell’s portrayal of Annelle Dupuy-Desoto added both innocence and transformation as the newcomer to the group. Pam Kobre was a delight as the stylish and sassy Clairee Belcher, while Suzanne Rakestraw gave a deeply moving performance as Shelby’s strong and loving mother, M’Lynn Eatenton. Rounding out the ensemble, Heidi Hamer stole scenes with her sharp-tongued and unapologetically bold Ouiser Boudreaux. Together, this talented cast captured the enduring bond between women and the mix of laughter and loss that makes this show memorable.
Set entirely within Truvy’s beauty salon, Steel Magnolias follows the lives of six Southern women as they navigate life’s joys and heartbreaks together over the course of just two and a half years. Centered around Shelby’s decision to have a child despite serious health risks, the story unfolds with moments of humor, tenderness, and deep emotional strength. As seasons change, so do the women, revealing the resilience and love that hold them together.
Admittedly, though this particular story does not fully resonate with me, it’s clear that the cast and crew approached the production with dedication and care, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show! Their commitment to honoring this beloved play was evident in the thoughtful performances and collaborative spirit on stage. I’d like to give a special salute to Megan McConville, who in her directorial debut, did a fabulous job with this challenging piece. Though she herself has not yet acted on the Richmond Hill stage, her work behind the scenes with many productions proved she has a good eye for details. Well done!
