Gardeners know that perennials, plants that go dormant in the winter then return to blossom in the spring, have strong root systems and a hardy composition that helps them persist from year to year.
While no actual “steel magnolia” grows in the wild, there are few perennials with as much persistent appeal on the American stage as Richard Harling’s tragicomedy, “Steel Magnolias.” Why does this show, set to open at Virginia Rep’s Hanover Tavern stage on Oct. 14th, continue to delight audiences even though it is set firmly in 1980s-era Louisiana? Strong roots and hardy composition.
“I think it’s one of those things that’s ageless,” says Julie Fulcher-Davis, director of the Virginia Rep production. “It’s about universal behaviors: the strength of women and the tenderness of women. Those types of things don’t change, I don’t think.”
“Steel Magnolias” premiered on stage in 1987 but what really cemented the story in the country’s psyche was the 1989 movie featuring a slate of huge stars, including Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, and Sally Field. The story follows six women who live in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana, and who regularly gather in Truvy’s beauty salon to gossip, argue and bond with each other.
If revisiting rural Louisiana where the women “are as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel” isn’t enough of a draw, one aspect of this production should peak the interest of local theater-goers: the professional debut of actress Nakia Young-EL in the role of Annelle.
“I have been wanting to get back into theater for some time but the timing just hasn’t been right,” says Young-EL. “My husband and I just purchased a new house last month and we’re really setting down roots here. My husband said, ‘If this is something you really want to do, go for it.’”
“I love her, she’s amazing!” says Fulcher-Davis. “When you cast a newcomer, you have to think: their resume is good, their audition was great, but you’re still going to have to build a new relationship. That process happened with great ease with Nakia.”
Though it’s been 14 years since she’s been on stage, Young-EL says theater was her first love. She acted from elementary school through high school while growing up in Maryland. She entered Kent State University as a theater major where she had to take a costume design class freshman year. “The course included a lab that was two hours of sewing and learning costume design techniques and I absolutely loved it,” she says. “So I took that as a sign from God that maybe that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.” She ended up graduating with a degree in fashion design.
After moving to Richmond in 2019 and the birth of her second son, Young-EL set up her own fashion design consulting business, helping aspiring designers through the entire product development process “I work with them starting with their initial sketches,” she explains, “Then I take them through sourcing the fabrics, creating the patterns, sewing samples, then producing a small batch of their designs.”
The demands of raising a three-year old and her personalized consulting approach has her overextended so she’s pausing her business while diving back into theater.
“Getting back on stage just feels natural,” Young-EL says. “It helps that the rest of the cast is amazing and Julie is amazing. They really have welcomed me with open arms.”
“The only nerve-wracking part is being new to the community,” she continues. “Growing up in Maryland, I performed all over the place and people knew me. For Richmond, I’m a new face and I want to show my value to the local community.”
Fulcher-Davis has no such anxieties. “I can’t say enough good things about her,” she says. “People are going to love her.”
“Steel Magnolias” opened at Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd. Hanover, VA, on Oct. 14th and runs through Nov. 13th. Tickets and information available at Virginia Rep’s website.
