STEEL MAGNOLIAS: Heartwarming play captures audiences at Julian Town Hall

Alice Greene-Froyke and Barbara Keresztury. Photo courtesy Julian Theater Company

By Ruth Lepper

“Steel Magnolias,” nearing the end of its six-week run, is a heartwarming story unfolding Friday and Saturday nights at Julian Town Hall.

A production of Julian Theater Company, the Robert Harling comedy/drama is under the director of Scott Kinney and features a cast of six very talented actresses.

Set in a small town in Louisiana, all the action takes place in Truvy’s Beauty Parlor, where her closest friends and neighbors have dropped by for fancy coiffures on the wedding day of Shelby Eatenton.

Kait Mushet does an excellent job portraying Shelby, a delightful Southern belle about to be married. As the play progresses, Mushet matures along with her character.

Kim Archuletta plays M’Lynn Eatenton, a very concerned mother with good reason to worry about her daughter. Archuletta really comes across with an intrepid quality as she goes through the emotions of a heartsick mother.

Sandra Sladkey joins the cast as the flamboyant Truvy Jones, resplendent in flashy outfits and exorbitant hairdo. Sladkey emotes feeling into her character, both for herself and for others.

Barbara Keresztury is delightful as Clairee Belcher, widow of the town’s mayor, who buys a radio station to have something to keep her busy.

Sandi Bennett brings out the apprehensive nature of her character, Annelle Dupuy Desoto, the new girl in town who goes to work for

Truvy. Bennett has a knack for the many personality changes Annelle goes through from the beginning to the end of the play.

Alice Greene-Froyke is a hoot as Ouiser Boudreaux, capturing the feisty character’s personality to perfection.

Hats off for a job well done, all around.

Performances of “Steel Magnolias” are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through March 12, upstairs at Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Doors open one hour before curtain and refreshments will be available for sale.

For more information, call (760) 765-2119.