Steel Magnolias

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic film "Steel Magnolias" about the powerful friendships between a group of women in Louisiana. To celebrate, the Hub Theatre Company of Boston is presenting the original stage play on which the film was based.

Originally produced in 1987, the play was written by Robert Harling as a tribute to his late sister, who much like the character Shelby, died due to complications from diabetes. It is a play full of quick wit and large emotions. Its signature line "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion" captures its essence.

It is a simple play, taking place entirely in Truvy's Beauty Shop over three years. Truvy's is little more than a renovated carport, but it is a neighborhood gathering spot for the local women.

The play centers on six of them that seem to have an extra special bond.

There is Truvy, portrayed by Catherine Lee Christie, the salon owner and lover of big hair and anything that shines or flashes. She is a larger than life character and the center of the salon's world, unfortunately, Ms. Christie just doesn't seem to fill the space and so often fades into the background.

Annelle – an awkward wayward soul that finds herself under Truvy's employ – is the one clings to the edges. Annelle has the most dramatic arc from a shy and rejected young woman, to good-time gal, to born again Christian. While Annelle's character has a lot to work with, Lauren Elias' performance never really commits in any one direction and so she becomes one-dimensional.

The plot driver of the show is Shelby. A young woman with diabetes who gets married and then against the advice of doctors becomes pregnant. Much of the show is centered on Shelby's journey and resulting health complications. This is where director Paula Plum makes her most interesting and thought-provoking choice. Shelby is played by Oye Ehikhamhen.

Casting a black woman as Shelby adds a new level of tension to the show. In Louisiana, during the 1980s interracial marriage was technically legal, but not common. It creates a character who not only has health issues, but also racial hurdles. Recent studies showing that black women often receive substandard care suddenly loom over the proceedings. That said Ms. Ehikhamhen is outstanding in the role. She is sunny, charming, and positive and exudes a strength that far outweighs her years.

Although the character of her mother, M'Lynn played by Liz Adams, suffers a bit from this casting choice. M'Lynn is a tiger mother. She is fiercely loyal to her daughter. She quite literally is willing to give an organ for her. But Ms. Adams M'Lynn has an extra layer of armor around her. It's a logical choice (as well as expertly executed) – a white woman in a mixed-race marriage in the South and a daughter with life-threatening health issues – it is no wonder that she is tough as nails. Sadly, this aspect makes a character a bit too distant. The script offers a lighter touch and M'Lynn becomes a heavy presence that permeates the production.

As a result, the most successful scene is the opening of the second act when the final two women have the focus. June Kfoury as the former mayor's wife, Clairee, and Maureen Adduci as her scene-stealing curmudgeonly best friend Ouiser. It is the scene where the pacing of dialogue and action finally gel and that captures the joy in such close friendships.

Hub Theatre has reminded us that while many think of the movie as the definitive "Steel Magnolias," it is based on a play; and a play has interpretations. Ms. Plum has provided a more challenging vision that has its pluses and minuses - but it is well worth a trip to Truvy's.

"Steel Magnolias" continues through August 3 at Club Caf�, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. For more information, visit the Hub Theatre Company website.