On Theater: ‘Steel Magnolias’ in bloom in Newport Beach

Few American plays possess the pure staying power of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,” which surely holds the title as the most-produced show in Orange County during the past three decades.

It’s three scenes of broad, often-bawdy comedy topped off by a finale that’ll have you reaching for your handkerchief, and it features a half-dozen character-rich roles that are virtual catnip for actresses. No wonder every local theater either has done it or wants to do it.

Harling’s “Magnolias,” set in a garage transformed into a beauty parlor in Chinquapin, La., has taken up its latest residence at the Newport Theatre Arts Center, where director David Motroni has assembled a fine, well-balanced cast to bring this combination knee-slapper and weeper back to life.

Written as virtual therapy to ease Harling’s grief over a family tragedy, “Steel Magnolias” has enjoyed a charmed existence, both in its plethora of stage productions as well as its success on the big screen with Dolly Parton and a then-practically unknown Julia Roberts.

At Newport, the six actresses form a strong ensemble with one, Michelle Pedersen as the chatty hairdresser Truvy, standing just a bit taller than the rest. Pedersen radiates both Southern charm and polite sarcasm, often in the same sentence, and serves as a strong fulcrum around whom the story revolves.

It’s the big wedding day for the town beauty, Shelby, sprightly interpreted by Yara Wilde, whose nuptial colors are pink on pink and who longs to have a child despite her diabetic condition. It’s a bone of contention between Shelby and her mother, M’Lynn — a staunch and quite believable Megan Cherry — who fears for her daughter’s health.

A pair of town characters add some Louisiana spice to the mixture. Andrea LaVela is slyly regal as Clairee, the widow of a onetime mayor, while Kip Hogan hits the stage in full flourish as Ouiser, the neighborhood grouch, who’s reluctantly rediscovering romance.

The wild card in this deck is Annelle, a mysterious newcomer with an overdone accent who assists Truvy and turns into a religious nut job. Michelle Skinner plays this character with color and conviction.

Set designer Andrew Otero, who also created the colorful costumes, has fashioned a broad playing area without sacrificing the necessary beauty shop accouterments. Michael Castillo’s attractive lighting design and Brian Page’s local radio sound effects complete the fine atmospheric picture.

If you’ve never seen “Steel Magnolias,” the Newport Theatre Arts Center production would be a good place to start. It’s loaded with laughs, but bring your hankies.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater.

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IF YOU GO

What: “Steel Magnolias”

Where: Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until Feb. 21

Cost: $17

Information: (949) 631-0288