By Mariah Reed
‘Tis the season for chestnuts—and the Pompano Players are serving up a sweet one with their radiant rendition of Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias.
The play premiered at the off-Broadway WPA Theatre in New York City in 1987, and quickly became an instant favorite. Written as an homage to playwright Harling’s sister, Susan, who tragically passed away from complications related to Type 1 diabetes, Steel Magnolias has since achieved cult status—especially after its beloved film adaptation.
What’s less known is that the play’s southern charm has traveled the globe, enchanting audiences in the UK, Ireland, France, Japan, Poland, Sweden, and even Australia, where a young Nicole Kidman once graced the stage as Shelby.
Pompano Players’ production captures all the heart and humor that made this story a classic. With a strong ensemble, deft direction, and performances that spark both hearty laughter and heartfelt tears, this version feels timeless in its attention to human frailty and the power of friendship to sustain us.
The story unfolds inside Truvy’s in-home beauty parlor in a fictional Louisiana parish during the 1980s—a place where the women of the town gather to share their heartaches, hopes, and a generous helping of gossip. Through life’s twists and turns, these “steel magnolias” remain steadfast in their loyalty to one another and their devotion to the community that binds them.
The play opens with young beautician Anelle, played with dreamy innocence by Abbey Alder, nervously seeking work at Truvy Jones’ salon. Kindhearted Truvy, brought to vivid, sassy life by Camille Schiavone, takes her under her wing. Soon, Anelle is swept into the intimate orbit of Truvy’s regulars: the luminous bride-to-be Shelby (Alexandra van Hasselt), her devoted mother M’Lynn (Autumn Kioti Horne), the tart-tongued Ouiser (Lissa Richey), and the ever-gracious Clairee (Francine Birns).
Preparations are underway for Shelby’s wedding, and the town hums with eager anticipation. Yet beneath the celebration lies a shadow — for Shelby’s dreams, bright as they seem, are at odds with her health condition, casting a quiet pall over the joy to come. What follows is a whirlwind of laughter, love, and loss as these women navigate the joys and heartbreaks of small-town life. Van Hasselt’s Shelby radiates both fragility and fire while Horne’s M’Lynn anchors the story with an unshakable, maternal devotion that rings deeply true. Their dynamic—part tenderness, part fierce independence—beautifully captures the timeless tension between mother and daughter.
Birns’ Clairee and Richey’s Ouiser are a comedic dream team, their banter sharp yet affectionate, their timing impeccable. Both resist caricature, embodying the kind of Southern women who feel plucked from life rather than written for the stage.
Director Joseph Zettelmaier and Assistant Director Elizabeth Guerra keep the action brisk and emotionally charged, crafting transitions that hum with energy and grace. The pacing never lags, and each discovery lands with resonant clarity. Only one staging hiccup—M’Lynn’s climactic breakdown in Act II being partially obscured by the body of another actress—momentarily interrupting the spell. Even so, Horne’s anguished voice carries the scene’s emotional gravity.
Technically, the production is a triumph. Shana Goldman’s stage management ensures seamless precision; Lowell Richard’s lighting enhances the play’s tonal shifts; Penelope Williams’ costumes evoke Southern charm; and Kat Davis’ scenic design, though spare, perfectly frames the action. Rick Smith’s score of soulful Southern tunes deepens the atmosphere, while Production Manager Christian Taylor keeps every technical element flowing like sweet tea on a summer porch.
A final, thoughtful touch: the Pompano Players’ choice to arrange café tables on the theater floor, making the performance more accessible for patrons with mobility challenges. This decision not only fosters inclusivity but also lends the space a cozy, cabaret-style intimacy.
Steel Magnolias is a delightful homage to women who are surviving life’s challenges by leaning on their deep, meaningful friendships. A powerful and poignant message that resonates to all who have endured difficulties, and a welcome reminder of the power of community to heal.
Steel Magnolias plays through Nov. 16 t the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 West Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach; Fri-Sat evening performances at 7 p.m.; Sat-Sun matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets starting at $55. Call 954-501-1910, or visit Pomanobeachculturalcenter.com
Mariah Reed is an Equity actress, produced playwright and tenured theatre professor.
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