by Jess Hoffman
I believe that classics are classics for a reason. It behooves any theater to mix in new and avant-garde theater with some old chestnuts; but I must say I am often drawn to gimmick-free, conventional productions of tried and true classics. Schenectady Civic Players’ current production of Steel Magnolias is one such production, and it’s everything you could want in a classic.
Steel Magnolias is probably best known for the movie adaptation for its 1989 film adaptation. It follows the lives of six women in a small Louisiana town as they navigate life, love, and loss–and of course, get their hair and nails done. The concept may seem banal, and perhaps it is, but it is also a beautiful portrait of the lives of women in a small, Southern town at the end of the 20th Century.
The play opens on a wonderful set. Set designer David Zwierankin has successfully transformed the Schenectady Civic Playhouse stage into a salon that looks functional and homey enough to be a place where local ladies gather but slapdash enough that it is easy to believe that it is located in the garage of a very dedicated upstart beautician.
Said upstart beautician is played by Amanda Conlon, whose warmth and witty humor sets the tone for the action. Conlon’s character, Truvy, mostly exists to play foil to the other women, but Conlon plays this part in a way that ensures she is just as vibrant and human as the rest of the characters; and her expert physicality and pantomimes will make the audience believe she is actually doing ladies’ hair in her own home salon. Brigid Black plays the salon’s new beautician, a quiet woman named Annelle whose body language and facial expressions make up for her relatively few lines.
The salon’s clients make up the rest of the very talented all-female cast. Jennifer Schnurr leads the show as Shelby, a young bride and, later, young mother. Her cheerful vivaciousness in the face of life’s hurdles is a joy to watch, and it makes the final scene hit as hard as possible. Playing Shelby’s mother is Joan Horgan, whose performance is excellent throughout, but is especially poignant in the final scene. Finally, Carol Charniga and Melissa Putterman Hoffmann provide delightful comic relief as two older clients who bicker like an old married couple and don’t hesitate to stir up trouble.
Special kudos must also be given to Laura Graver, who served as both the hair designer and the dialect coach for this production. In a play about a hair salon in Northern Louisiana, both the hair and the accents are of utmost importance and luckily Graver rises to both challenges.
By its very nature, Steel Magnolias might not appeal to everyone. It’s neither action-packed nor magnitudinous. It is not gimmicky and it doesn’t make any grand statements about life or the universe. Some might find the entire concept too quaint to be worth their time. But I’d say those people are missing out, because Schenectady Civic’s Steel Magnolias is heartfelt, witty and charming. If you want to see a real and raw slice of smalltown life with clever dialogue delivered by an exceptional cast, then I urge you to go see Steel Magnolias at the Schenectady Civic Playhouse.
Schenectady Civic Players presents Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, directed by Kelly Sienkiewicz, runs from May 8-17, 2026, at the Schenectady Civic Playhouse, 12 South Church Street in Schenectady, NY. Assistant directed by Jean Carney. Produced by Laura Graver. Stage Managed by Amanda Lupe. Cast: Amanda Conlon as Truvy, Brigid Back as Annelle, Melissa Putterman Hoffmann as Clairee, Jennifer Schnurr as Shelby, Joan Horgan as M’Lynn, Carol Charniga as Ouiser, and Kevin Miller as KPPD DJ. Scenic design by David Zwierankin. Lighting design by David Caso. Sound design by Barry Streifert and Kelly Sienkiewicz. Costume design by Kelly Sienkiewicz and Laura Graver. Hair by Laura Graver.
Performance dates are Friday–Sunday (May 8-10) and Wednesday–Sunday (May 13-17). Friday and Saturday curtains are at 8 pm, Wednesday and Thursday curtains are at 7:30 pm, and Sundays are matinees only at 2:30 pm. All tickets are $25. Runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Contains gunshots, mild profanity, light sexual innuendo, and depictions and discussions of serious health issues. Recommended for ages 12+. Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the door for any performance. Call 518-382-2081 or visit civicplayers.org for more information.