REVIEW: ACToR makes strong debut with 'Magnolias'

By RUTH LEPPER - For the North County Times | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:11 AM PDT ∞

Director Tony Randall has added a special flair to "Steel Magnolias," the first production by a new acting company in Ramona.

The six women in the poignant tale by Robert Harling have successfully conquered Southern accents ---- and in such a natural-sounding way as to not get in the way of the storyline.

The play ---- produced by Actors Community Theatre of Ramona, or ACToR, at the Ramona Mainstage Theatre ---- is set in a neighborhood beauty salon in a Louisiana town in the 1980s, with all the action taking place on four Saturdays over a two-year period. It may be a little difficult to determine the change in time between acts without checking the program. More pronounced scene and costume changes would be an asset.

The women in the cast ---- three are new to the stage and three are veterans ---- have bonded as equally well together as an acting company as they have to their individual characters. That is the gist of the story: the sisterhood among the women.

One of the most delightful characters in this play is Ouiser, who tends to be the next-door neighbor to just about all the other women. Susanne Bolin captures the right amount of crankiness for Ouiser's persona. (Her idea of Christmas decorations is putting out holly-trimmed signs on her lawn that say, "Keep off the Grass!") Bolin gives a top-notch performance.

Candy Randall, the most experienced of the acting group, is cast as Truvy, the flamboyant owner of the beauty salon. (Her motto is, "There's no such thing as 'natural beauty.' ") Randall brings out the warmth of Truvy's personality, a good friend to all who know her. Randall's past work on stage helps to move everything along on an even keel.

Sandy Teichert plays Clairee, widow of the town's mayor who misses her life as first lady of the town. She's making it up for it, though, with trips to New York and Europe, not to mention purchasing the local radio station so she can broadcast football games. Teichert is more than believable in her portrayal of Clairee. Teichert's busy resume includes dancing with New York Grand Opera.

Sharon Callahan plays M'lynn Eatenton, mother of the bride. The story opens on Shelby's wedding day and ends on a much sadder note. Mother and daughter do not always see eye to eye. Callahan comes across with the right emotions at the right time, expressing a mother's love for her only daughter.

Andrea Williams takes on the role of Shelby, a charming part for any young actor in her stage debut. Williams, a recent graduate of Ramona High School, is a talented dancer involved with choreography for Christian Youth Theater. Williams will do well with any role she undertakes in upcoming productions.

Rounding out the cast is Lindsay Gwizdak as Annelle, a new girl in town with a mysterious past. After going to work for Truvy, it doesn't take long for all of Annelle's secrets to be revealed. Gwizdak emotes an innocence that befits a young woman with a past. She, too, is new to the stage and sure to excel in future productions.

All in all, "Steel Magnolias" is the kind of play that can be enjoyed over and over. It is well worth the support of the local community or a drive to Ramona.

ACToR, spearheaded by the Randalls and Chaunsa Cron, has big plans in the works for future plays and the goal of launching a children's touring theater company in June. Plays planned for the coming year include "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Greater Tuna."

"Steel Magnolias"

Where: ACToR at Ramona Mainstage Theatre, 626 Main St., Ramona

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $10, general; $8, seniors and military; $6, children ages 12 and under

Info: (760) 703-4854

Web: www.actorramona.com

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