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See Steel Magnolias in Garland

A A A Comments By Noah W. Bailey Thursday, Oct 11 2007

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We've probably seen Steel Magnolias 30 or 40 times by now. After all, we grew up in a family with a great affinity for Dolly Parton. But we've never seen it on the stage, and while the version of Steel Magnolias currently playing at the Granville Arts Center is probably perfectly charming, we can't imagine any of the actors owning the roles the way the actors in the film did. Can anybody beat Shirley MacLaine's Ouiser? Doubt it. Olympia Dukakis as Clairee? No way. Tom Skerritt as Drum Eatenton? Not a chance in hell. In fact, we think the majority of people don't even remember that character's name--"Remember when Ouiser gave Tom Skerritt the ass end of the armadillo groom's cake and he said 'Nothin' like a good pice of ass.'? That was great." And Dylan McDermott as Jackson Latcherie? OK, maybe someone out there could give that role a little more oomph. But nobody can cry their eyes out and drink orange juice like Julia Roberts. Nobody. If you think we're wrong, feel free to check out Steel Magnolias at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North 5th St. in Garland, through October 27. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a 2 p.m. matinee this Sunday. Tickets are $16 to $20. Visit garlandcivictheatre.org.
Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 21, 2 p.m. Starts: Oct. 18. Continues through Oct. 27, 2007