The hair salon is a sacred space; women to go unburden themselves, to feel glamorous and pampered, and in a small town, that salon community is even more tight knit. Steel Magnolias allows the audience to be a fly on the wall in one such salon in Louisiana, how their lives intertwine and how they hold each other together. Deftly directed by Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster and featuring an all-female cast, Steel Magnolias will touch your heart and leave you yearning for a mint julep to help recover.

I’ve actually never seen the film version of “Steel Magnolias” but I do know that it’s one of those iconic films where everyone in it is Hollywood Royalty. It made for an exciting trip to the theatre as I was going into this story with no background knowledge, and was happy to go on the emotional roller coaster with the characters. Truvy runs her own hair salon, and at the opening of the play she’s getting prepared to have Shelby Eatenton in for her wedding day hairdo. She’s recently hired on a new gal, Annelle to help around the shop, and Annelle’s timing couldn’t be better with the biggest wedding in town happening that afternoon! Regulars Clairee, Ouiser, and mother-of-the-bride M’Lynn all make their way to the salon to also get ready for Shelby’s big day. Months and years go by and we periodically get to check in on the salon and its inhabitants, each at a new phase of their lives whenever we meet them next. Though many things change during the time we get to spend with them, the one thing that holds them all together is friendship.

The set for Steel Magnolias is perfect; it’s definitely got that salon-in-the-front-room vibes and I love the 80’s wallpaper and knick-knacks. I was astounded by the vintage drying chairs which are basically an armchair with the dryer on top – I’d probably fall asleep if dryer chairs were still that comfy! Jackie Chau’s design allows for the props to easily transform the space, and I loved the functionality of the space. Laura Gardner’s costumes complete the late 80’s vibes with off the shoulder sweaters, plenty of denim, and vibrant prints. Honestly, I love Shelby’s wardrobe in particular because like Shelby “Pink is my signature colour.”

Seeing a multi-generational all-female cast perform this heartrending story is exceptional; these wildly talented women are able to grab our heartstrings and not let go for the entire performance. Raquel Duffy plays Truvy Jones, the salon’s owner. Her charisma makes you immediately feel welcome, just like she wants her clients to feel. Belinda Corpuz plays the new gal, Annelle, who immediately becomes part of the ecosystem of the salon. Corpuz has a sweetness to her which shines through in Annelle. Carolyn Fe is incredible comedic relief as Clairee Belcher; Clairee’s got a one-liner for everything and Fe delivers them with expert timing. Charlotte Dennis’ Shelby is heartbreaking in the best way. Dennis has been giving outstanding performances this year and Steel Magnolias is no exception. Brenda Robins’ Ouiser is comedy gold; every time she bursts through the door of the salon, she’s got more and more outrageous entrance lines. Robins gives us both the unhinged and the soft sides of Ouiser. Deborah Drakeford gives a career defining performance as M’Lynn Eatenton. Her monologue in the second act of the play had tears streaming down my face, and hers as well. The passion and pure fury that she puts into this performance is incredible and so very real. 

“Laughter through tears is my favourite emotion” Truvy’s line at the end of the play is certainly emblematic of how most of us are leaving the theatre – with tears and a smile. At its core, Steel Magnolias is about the fortitude of female friendship, and how we need each other to get through the hardest times in our lives. Steel Magnolias profoundly moved me, but also ensured that I’ll hug my friends a little tighter the next time I see them. 

Steel Magnolias runs at the Capitol Theatre to Port Hope until August 3. For more information and tickets, visit: https://capitoltheatre.com/events/steel-magnolias-2025-07-22-200-pm/

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Cover Photo: Raquel Duffy, Charlotte Dennis, Belinda Corpuz, Carolyn Fe. Photo by Sam Moffatt.

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