Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The best aspect of this warmhearted, affectionate production, which features a set by Angela Weber Miller that looks more like a home than a salon (smart idea), is that not one of these fine Chicago performers condescends to their characters nor looks down upon their lives. That absence of camp and stereotype make this a superior “Steel Magnolias” compared to some I recall, but here you also have Carle, wrestling with M’Lynn’s emotions as if she were playing King Lear."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...When it came to casting Drury Lane Theatre's "Steel Magnolias," director Johanna McKenzie Miller and casting director Matthew D. Carney hit the jackpot."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...The current revival at Drury Lane, directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, brings out the best in Harling’s material. The pitch-perfect cast makes all of Harling’s lines glitter; they flesh out this rather slow-moving—and at times very predictable—slice-of-life narrative. (Believe me, over the course of this two-hour-plus play, you will have lots of time to drink in Angela Weber Miller’s wonderful, eye-pleasing set.) Every actor in the ensemble gets her star turn, and makes the best of it. Janet Ulrich Brooks is particularly winning as the sharp-tongued local eccentric, Ouiser."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...This delightful play will warm your heart with its magnetism wit about how friendship endures the test of life challenges. The camaraderie of the ladies is very entertaining. In addition, the play brought awareness to the issue of organ donation, reproducing against medical advice and suffering the terrible consequences."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...A "Master " class in theater! That is what you will say! If you love theater, then I would suggest you find a way to go to Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook to witness a one of a kind production. While this theater is known for its large scale musical productions, they have been doing non-musicals every season as well. Yes, one classic after another, but the current production of Robert Harling's "Steel Magnolias" is not just a classic story, it is a production that will allow you to see six amazing actresses under the direction of Johanna McKenzie Miller , on a set by Angela Weber Miller, tell us a story about love and friendship."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...I have some history with Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias. Besides loving the brilliantly cast 1989 movie (Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Darryl Hannah…what could be more perfect?), I also directed it on a high school stage in 1998 featuring two casts of high school actors. So it would be a total understatement to say that I enjoy this play full of laser-sharp quips from wonderfully drawn characters gathered in a Lousiana hair salon…and a powerfully poignant, though not unexpected, ending. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was that Drury Lane Theatre was putting it on; it took about two seconds to return my RSVP."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Due to its immense well-deserved popularity, the Drury Lane has extended its run of Steel Magnolias by playwright, Robert Harling, from June 10 through August 7, 2022. Robert Harling knows how to make you laugh while tugging at your heartstrings. He wrote the original Steel Magnolia play first as a short story based on his sister, Susan's death at only 33 years old, due to complications from Type I diabetes. A friend suggested it would be a cathartic exercise for his overwhelming grief and remembrance for his young nephew, Susan's son. He soon realized that his strength was presenting a storyline in dialogue so the short story became his first play honoring the women who nurtured and supported his sister."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...During these times, seeing Steel Magnolias is like a soothing balm. These characters are a loving group of women trying to deal with "the ordinary instant". There are no male actors in the stage production and the creative team is all female. The story is filled with strength, love and support. Robert Harling's script is based upon his own family experience with the passing of his sister. He wanted her child to know her story."
