| These Flowers Are Beautiful Yet Tough | | Print | |
| Written by David Springstead | |||
| Tuesday, 16 October 2007 | |||
 Ensemble: N. A unit or group of complementary parts that contribute to a single effect.This definition speaks well of what it is that actors try to create when presenting a play or musical. When it happens it can be a wonderfully moving experience for not only the audience but the actors as well. When it doesn't it can make for a very long evening at the playhouse. With the production of the Peninsula Community Theatre's Steel Magnolias we are happily given the former version, with much delight. This strong group of women, well cast and directed by Amy Broad, is the very essence of what an ensemble performance should be. And because of this, the evening flies by with humor, and warmth, but also sorrow, and tears. All of the things that comprise life.
While there might be an argument made that Truvy is the leading lady among these southern belles, one would find it hard to believe that when watching this sextet in action. The pace can be fast and furious at times, but with the evident love and care they have for each other shining through the gentle barbs they toss as they do what it is good friends do: be there for one another. Each and every character was believable from the opening curtain until the final curtain call. The standing ovation they were awarded with by the audience spoke volumes about the show.
While the lighting design of John Witt was basically utilitarian, the set design he created with Bob Burdette was well done, complete with running water in the hair washing sink. Done on two levels, it helped break up the monotony of the main stage level, and gave the audience a way to view the action that occurred upstage. Costuming was created by Cheryl Nabati which, while sort of contemporary, did need to reflect the 80's (which the show is set in) and there are certain things that just had to be there. Nice job. The Peninsula Community Theatre seems to have a real talent in finding capable local talent for their productions, and then molding them into some of the areas finest performers. The intimate setting that is PCT is rather unique, and they're presenting
If this production is any indication of the quality of what's yet to come they'll be playing to sold out houses the rest of the season. And it's a pity that Steel Magnolias couldn't run another 3 weeks, it was just that good. Check out the rest of the season at their web site, www.peninsulacommunitytheatre.org and be sure to reserve your tickets early. |
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If there were a local award for
Best Ensemble Performance this crew would win it, hands down. 
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I sat mesmerized through the entire play. I thought everyone from the director to the cast, to the set designers, to the stage manager, incredibly talented and PCT should be fortunate to have found such an inspired group. I saw this play and have to say resoundingly so that I whole heartedly agree with this review. The group as a whole was cast perfectly and individually they gave each character so much heart and soul; incredibly. You know it's a great play when you absolutely forget you are watching people portray these characters and start to believe they ARE the characters. I found it inspiring and uplifting although I knew what was coming, had seen the movie, knew straightaway was happening when it was happening, I sat there, mesmerized and through much of the second half of the play, with tears already streaming down my face, I watched, lived it, and cried. Kudos, kudos, kudos to the entire ensemble, and also to the Director, who was driven to do this play in honor of someone she loved very much. I was touched in many many ways by the entire show and feel fortunate I got to see it with a friend. Loved it! I have been to many plays at PCT and I agree hold hearted about this review.This is one of the best if not the best play's to date.I wish it would play for three or more weeks so more folks could see the local talent. |