Description
Those who’ve spent the past two decades looking for a fresh take on the down-home schmaltz of Steel Magnolias, take heart: Scott McPherson’s account of a family ravaged by the sudden death of 23-year-old son and brother Michael O’Neil unleashes the saccharine emotion with a zeal that would do Sally Field proud. McPherson milks the “so funny it could break your heart” genre for all it’s worth, providing a 360-degree exposé of every kooky neighbor cliché in the book. Citadel Theatre’s plodding production doesn’t help. Wayne Mell’s actors frequently breeze over them in favor of ham-fisted physical fare.—CS