Directing "Steel Magnolias" - help/advice

So, I'm directing a production of "Steel Magnolias" in a few months, and I'm looking for a little help and advice. I know, most of the advice would be something along the lines of "Dont do it!" but alas, the rights for "Carrie" weren't available...go figure

Anyway, I've directed several productions previously, but preparation for this one is giving me fits. I've read the script a million times, of course, and seen a few productions, and everything seems so "cut & paste," so "by the book." I dont want to do the same old "Steel Magnolias" that you can see at any other community theater (or Broadway theater, apparently) on any day of any year, but I can't come up with anything that breaks the mold, as it were, but still stays true to the spirit of the piece. Any suggestions? I'm open to anything, no matter how crazy it sounds!

Also, the whole "sitting around & talking" aspect is getting to me. I'm definitely not an advocate of blocking simply for blocking's sake, but can I keep the staging interesting, AS WELL AS make the conversation & banter between the ladies fresh & interesting & "immediate," for lack of a better word?

The shows I generally direct are either musicals or high drama--I'm comfortable there, but light comedy is not something I've done much of, so I find myself floundering in preparing for this.

True, casting is half the battle, and with the women I've got to work with, I know I'll get a fierce cast, but......

SO, any of you experienced directors out there wanna help a brother out? Or any of you experienced & insightful theatergoers (calling MargoChanning!)?

PLEASE feel free to PM or email.

Thanks a million!!

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hahaha. that's exactly what i was going to say!

Double post.

Updated On: 6/18/05 at 12:12 AM

i'd love to see the current broadway production, but unfortunately, that's not a possibility.

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i'm very used to the accents in the film now, since i've seen it so many times. but when i first saw it, i CRINGED at the syrupy southern accents, especially julia and olympia. don't make that mistake in your production. if the accents can't be authentic, don't use them at all.

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Updated On: 6/19/05 at 12:20 PM

I've seen several stage productions of this, and I've come to realize that the less sentimental it is, the more hard-hitting it becomes. The more emotion you hold back, the more charged and absorbed the audience will be. And never forget how much these women love each other, in spite of everything.