“Steel Magnolias” has remaining free showings at Kline Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 1 and 2, as well as on Mar. 3 at 2 p.m. (Photo Eric Lippe/The Gettysburgian)
By Leah Nath, Staff Writer
The Department of Theater Arts, along with the Owl and Nightingale Players, debuted their version of “Steel Magnolias” on Thursday night. The opening performance received a standing ovation with audience members laughing through their tears.
“Steel Magnolias,” at its core, is a show about the depth of female friendships. Though the aesthetic of the play that is established through costume, set design and characters could be described as wonderfully adorable, the emotional depth of the story, relationships and personalities are best categorized by the words “beautifully devastating.”
The show has an ensemble of six characters: Shelby (Katie Poliero ’25), a young woman struggling with diabetes on the brink of the most exciting times of her life due to an upcoming wedding; M’Lynn (Antoinette Chango ’24), Shelby’s strong-willed and devoted mother; Truvy (Sia Harrison ’25), the owner of the beauty salon where the women spend their time together; Annelle (Delaney Stahl ’27), the youngest and most lost at the beginning of the show, and she is hired by Truvy at the salon; Clariee (Libby Drew ’24), a spirited and humorous widower of the late mayor; and Ouiser (Kat Manchester ’26), the town grump who is beloved by her friends all the same.
The show’s ensemble of six characters: Shelby (Katie Poliero ’25), M’Lynn (Antoinette Chango ’24), Truvy (Sia Harrison ’25), Annelle (Delaney Stahl ’27), Clariee (Libby Drew ’24), and Ouiser (Kat Manchester ’26). (Photo Eric Lippe/The Gettysburgian)
Together, the group creates a dynamic with incredible chemistry and range despite the small extent of the show. The entirety of the play takes place within Truvy’s beauty salon, relying on dialogue-driven suspense and energy to keep the momentum of the show moving. Still, this cast’s talent and commitment ensured that the audience would feel like old friends of the characters, chatting in the salon with them by the end of the two hours together.
The original work by Robert Harling was adapted for the Gettysburg stage by director Catherine Blaine for her first directorial position at Gettysburg College. Harling’s work is based on a true story, on which Blaine comments, “‘Steel Magnolias’ is truly a slice of Southern Americana charm, honesty, and wit. The title of the play says it all. Women who are held up to be delicate flowers are, with their fortitude and resilience, the backbone and strength of our families.”
Harling’s true story took place in 1985, which he had made into a movie by 1989. Reflecting the time period, the make-up, set design, hairstyles and costumes feel like a blast from the past. Though there are a few teases made at the expense of weight and disability, the show surpasses its time period in content and messaging, reaching hearts in a deeply profound way.
The original work by Robert Harling was adapted for the Gettysburg stage by director Catherine Blaine for her first directorial position at Gettysburg College. (Photo Grace Jurchak/The Gettysburgian)
Each performer brought their character to life on stage with dynamic intentionality and down to the most minute details. Truvy, who is a particularly classic Southern lady, pairs perfectly with her essentially adopted daughter, Annelle. Harrison and Stahl maintain the atmosphere of the salon with a perfect balance of gossip and safety for emotional vulnerability, all while actually doing the other characters’ hair onstage.
Through their characters Clairee and Ousier, Drew and Manchester provide the perfect comedic relief and timing to ensure that the feeling of friendship and enjoyment among the women onstage is palpable. Though the characters are both considered to be “out-there” personalities, these actors bring their characters to life in the most endearing and loveable manner. Keeping the audience giggling through the show, Drew and Harrison act as the immovable rocks of the group.
Reflecting the time period, the make-up, set design, hairstyles and costumes feel like a blast from the past. (Photo Grace Jurchak/The Gettysburgian)
As the heart of the show, M’Lynn and Shelby exhibit a gorgeous display of a mother-daughter relationship. Poliero and Chango bicker playfully, argue full out, laugh and cry, showing the highs and lows of life experienced within oneself and as witnessed by someone who loves you as deeply as these two characters do. Chango’s final monologue had the entire audience silent as a tomb and sobbing, sharing in the burden of her grief.
Audience member and student Jocie Little ’25 said, “…the entire cast had such great chemistry and carried the energy throughout so well. Ending with Antoinette’s final monologue was so emotional and phenomenal; I have no words.”
“Steel Magnolias” has remaining free showings at Kline Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 1 and 2, as well as on Mar. 3 at 2 p.m.
The cast and crew of “Steel Magnolias.” (Photo Eric Lippe/The Gettysburgian)
