TOM TITUS -- Theater Review

“Laughter through tears,” a sentiment expressed by one of its

characters, is the overriding theme of “Steel Magnolias,” Robert

Harling’s chatty, comic and ultimately poignant examination of six women

bound by years of sisterhood in the deep South.

This all-female seriocomedy -- so popular that three versions are

being staged within a month in Orange County -- is given an attractive,

if slightly uneven, rendition at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.

Set in a home beauty shop in the small town of Chinquapin, La., “Steel

Magnolias” sets up its audience with colorful, comic conversation,

intertwining the lives of the women who frequent the salon while building

to a wrenching final scene. Harling’s characters are fleshed out by the

incessant small talk in which they engage.

The Vanguard production has a number of strengths that offset its few

weaknesses. Southern dialects are mixed, occasionally rushed, but the

camaraderie among the characters is genuine.

The centerpiece of the show is Christa Jenewein’s eminently likable

Truvy, the beauty shop operator who brings a welcome element of warmth

and humor to her assignment. Jenewein also has some of the play’s

funniest lines, to go along with the best down-home dialect of the cast.

Director Susan K. Berkompas -- who was obliged to step into the role

of M’Lynn, the concerned mother of the bride, on just a week’s notice --

is particularly impressive. Berkompas, who also chairs the university’s

drama program, exudes an understated strength in extremely difficult

circumstances that virtually anchors the production.

Kristina Vesna Kuzmic, the pretty-in-pink, back-talking bride, renders

her character with a feisty independence and spirited demeanor that masks

a physical weakness, diabetes, which stands as a constant threat to her

future. She is particularly effective in one of the play’s early scenes

in the throes of a diabetic seizure.

As the widow of a former town mayor, Louise Rawson displays a fine

surface glitter but rushes her dialogue to the extent that some of her

juicy lines are ineffective. A more deliberate approach would heighten

her impact considerably.

The role of the crusty old neighbor, Ouiser, falls to an actress much

too young for the assignment, Shannon Davies, who nevertheless makes her

opinionated presence felt throughout the show. Her reluctant capitulation

to a late-life romance is especially well-depicted.

Shannon Cobb, double cast with Kathleen Goglin as the new shop

assistant with a puzzling past, manages to make her presence felt quite

nicely in a background assignment. Her succession of character changes

are delivered with understated effectiveness, and her newfound religious

zeal provides a striking contrast to the attitudes of the others.

Tim Mueller’s colorful beauty parlor setting lends a comfortably

realistic touch to the production. The show also benefits from Lia

Hansen’s contributions in the area of makeup, hair and costume design.

“Steel Magnolias” laughs through its tears with warmth and spirit,

skimming over its rough parts to present a most enjoyable ensemble

experience.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

WHAT: “Steel Magnolias”

WHERE: Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m.

Sunday in the Lyceum Theater on campus

COST: $7-$10

CALL: (714) 668-6145