A brand new theater company in Yucca Valley, The St. Joseph’s players, opened their production of “Steel Magnolias” last weekend. Special correspondent Les Taylor was in the audience and offers this review of the show…
Congratulations to The St. Joseph’s Players of Yucca Valley on the opening of their premier production, Robert Harling’s award winning “Steel Magnolias!” This show is a good choice for the group’s initial offering as it features memorable characters, a relatable story-line and is, in turn, very funny yet achingly poignant. The all female cast was directed by Rebecca Havely, who also turns in another solid performance as beauty shop owner Truvy Jones. I know from personal experience how hard it can be to direct a show you’re also acting in and Havely has done a credible job here. Annalisa Pilecki shines as M’Lynn while veteran actress Marty Neider and relative newcomer Rebekah Douglas as the tragic Shelby are also strong. Rounding out the cast are Tara Henkel and Carol Snyder as Annelle and Clairee, respectively. As with most first time efforts there are a few growing pains with the show. The venue, Rusack Hall at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church in Yucca Valley isn’t a theater and so there are some acoustic and lighting limitations. A couple of the actors were somewhat shaky on their lines and the scene changes seemed overly long as the stagehands are learning their jobs. These flaws should smooth out as the show goes on however. In general this is a decent production of a good play and everyone involved should be proud of themselves. Live theatre enriches our entire area and for starting our newest community theatre the St. Joseph’s Players deserve our support and our applause. “Steel Magnolias!” runs through July 27th. For ticket information call 760-365-7133.