~ The Steel Magnolias of Louisiana ~

Amid much fervor over who owns the rights, Steel Magnolias, with an all-star African-American cast and director, aired for the first time last night on Lifetime Television.

Keeping in mind that some dialogue and scenes had to be omitted to the make the film fit within the allotted time slot, you have to wonder if the audience impact was the same as the first time.

From Lifetime Movies:  ”In an updated contemporary version of the beloved stage play and 1989 film, ”Steel Magnolias” chronicles the lives and friendship of six women in Louisiana.  Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children – and hair and nails – all the important topics that truly unite and celebrate women.”

Most of us are familiar with the cast from other film and television productions. Director, Kenny Leon, is a seasoned theatre director and producer.  Alfre Woodard, Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, and newcomers to the “bigs,” Condola Rashad and Adepero Oduye, have all been praised for their acting acumen.  The question is were these actors, of considerable talent, able to engage us and deliver an impacting glimpse into the complex lives of the characters in this shortened version of Steel Magnolias?

The story is still about the tender, resilient relationships of these six women, with all the ups and downs that come with the territory.  If you haven’t seen it, you should.  It airs on the Lifetime Movie Network through October 14.

If you’ve seen it before, see it again and let us know your thoughts.