Theater Review: 'Steel Magnolias' at Connecticut Theatre Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

“Steel Magnolias” is a beautiful comedy-drama written by Robert Harling. Connecticut Theatre Company in New Britain has brought an excellent production of the play to their stage that runs two weekends only through March 23. The run of this play that celebrates the power of female camaraderie coincides with Women’s History Month.

The playwright wrote this two-act stage play based on his experience with his sister’s death from complications of Type 1 diabetes. It is set in the fictional Louisiana parish of Chinquapin.

This play, which happens to be one of my favorites, has the ability to make us laugh (a lot) and ultimately coax a tear or two. Even though I have seen this show (and watched the 1989 film version) enough times that I have memorized many of the lines, I never tire of attending another production. The stage play strips this enduring story down to its most important elements, with only the six female characters on the stage.

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Audiences will be able to watch these “Steel Magnolias” bloom on stage through March 23. Connecticut Theatre Company performs at The Repertory Theatre, 23 Norden St. in New Britain. Tickets at ConnnecticutTheatreCompany.org.

Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis may be reached at nancysjanis@att.net.

Photos of the cast of "Steel Magnolias" used with the permission of Erin Campbell. Photo credit Duane Campbell.