Directing "Steel Magnolias" - help/advice

[WillParker]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 10:07pm

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!!

[cturtle]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 11:39pm

if you really want to do a groundbreaking production, go for an all-male cast

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 11:41pm

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

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 12:12am

Dont get too cheesy and chick-flicky but keep the good old southern quirks in there. Dont really know what kinds of specifics to give you but just try not to make it seem like a chick-flick-play. Make it an authenic, sentimental, funny, quirky production. See the current Bway production directed by Jason Moore in which the direction is near flawless, IMO.

In fact, you should send him a letter to either the Ave. Q or Magnolias stage door(s) asking for advice. I hear he's very nice...maybe he could help you . Sorry I wasnt of any help other wise but writing to Jason Moore is a very good idea if I may say so myself

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 12:12am

Double post. Updated On: 6/18/05 at 12:12 AM

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 12:40am

I would see the Production On Broadway.
I went tonight and it was better then the film.
Jason Moore did a wonderful job. The acting was great, especially Frances Sternhagen.
I loved it. It was so much fun. It was also very witty.
Updated On: 6/18/05 at 12:40 AM

[WillParker]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 2:55am

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

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:04am

What a shame. The current production was a blast.
I heard bad things about it and was not rushing to see it.
But, I loved it.
It was pure JOY!

[cturtle]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 12:20pm

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.

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

[WillParker]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:00am

lol....good point...however, we're in the south, so that shouldn't be a problem :)

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 2:08am

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.