'Dinner and A Show' - Bristol Riverside Theater's Steel Magnolias & King George II Inn

Founded in 1681, Bristol PA is rich in history, boasting many historic and restored houses that line the streets of Radcliffe and Mill. These quaint streets are home to several shops and eateries. Two of the historical focal points are the King George II Inn Restaurant and the Bristol Riverside Theater. A banner for Bristol’s current production of Steel Magnolias is draped high across the shop lined streets.

Both the Bristol Riverside Theater and The King George II share an amazing riverfront view directly in front of the old Bristol river port and dock originally used for trade and travel. They also share a few more things in common. Both venues have been in the same location for decades or longer, both were originally utilized for different uses, both closed and re-opened and they each played host to some quite famous people.    

We took the opportunity to visit. First stop was lunch at the historic King George II Inn restaurant, known to be the oldest continuously operated Inn inAmerica- circa 1681, guests of which included General George Washington and Presidents John Tyler, John Adams, James Madison, and Millard Filmore.

 The Bristol Theatre opened on February 9, 1938. It replaced the old Riverside Theatre which was closed following a fire in the mid 30s and closed in mid-1970’s. Renovated and reopened in 1986 as Bristol Riverside Theatre. BRT has also brought nationally renowned theater artists to the region in a number of capacities, including Katherine Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

The King George plays host to many loyal theater patrons who support Bristol’s fine professional theater celebrating their 25 Anniversary. Returning to re-open the King George after a closing the original Co- owner Mary Demenczuk cordially treated us to a fine luncheon of warm crab dip.
Lobster bisque and a ham, cheddar and onion quiche.  We dined on the second floor with open spaced windows overlooking the rapids of the Delaware River. You can often meet Bristol Theater’s cast and creative team enjoying a quiet drink or playing host to one of their dinner and a show specials. 

For more information about the King George II Inn please visit http://www.kginn.com or call 215.788.5536

Steel Magnolias is more than a “girl’s play” but rather a touching group portrait of women that celebrate their strength without being sentimental. This is of particular interest since the playwright, Robert Harling is a man. The play appreciates humor and irony without being patronizing and is charming and with powerful laughs.

True, it has cuts, clips, nails and gossip – a “beauty parlor” setting; Steel Magnolias is set entirely within a beauty parlor (nice set designed by Nels Anderson), where the women gather to laugh, gossip, cry, and offer friendship and understanding to each other in a safe, man-free environment.

 The playwright, Robert Harling has captured the comic drama in an insightful and accurate manner, and how they draw strength from relationships, even when those relationships are tempered by differences of taste and opinion. It’s as if Harling’s convincing characters are developed from his own experiences or at the very least careful observations.

 The cast of characters are Truvy, the outspoken, wise-cracking shop owner who dispenses shampoo and free advice played by Bristol favorite and multi- Barrymore nominee, Jo Twiss. Her new assistant and town new comer, the shy young Annell (Laura C.Giknis), who comes out of her shell and find friends and Jesus! Truvy’s colorful clients of Chinquapin, Louisiana consist of a potpourri of personalities such as the mother and daughter team of M’Lynn and Shelby Eatenton played respectively by Barbara McCulloh and Jennie Eisenhower. (Anette Michelle Sanders plays M’Lynn at selected performances). Again two long time Bristol favorites Barbara McCulloh, who is not only a Bristol resident along with her husband-actor Brad Little but also boast  a huge list of theatrical credits and Jennie Eisenhower, playing the diabetic daughter. Ms. Eisenhower was last seen as Jo inBristol’s Little Women, earning her a Barrymore nominee. McCulloh’s final scene, a soliloquy of anger and sadness is heart tugging and tearful.

 Rounding out the cast is the witty and wise rich widow, Clairee played by Diane J. Findlay and the crotchety, wealthy Ouiser played by Susan Moses. Both offer winning performances.

  The action is set 1986-88 consisting of four scenes set over three years, Steel Magnolias chronicles the events of women who could be anyone’s family or neighbors, whose problems could, and do, happen to everyday ordinary people. This play thrives on a sort of attitude-heavy Southern talk and the audience is tickled by such quotes as ”she looks like a dog's dinner"; someone is said to be so confused, "he doesn't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt", “ but it's nothing a handful of prescription drugs couldn't cure", and “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for 30 years” and “the only reason people are nice to me is that I have more money than God."

Bristol’s Director, Susan D. Atkinson keeps each scene jumping with continuous hilarious repartee as the play moves from comedy toward tragedy when sudden events brings home life’s mortality to everyone in the group.

Steel Magnolias plays at the Bristol Riverside Theater,120 Radcliff St. Bristol, Pa.

Through April 20^th. For tickets and information: Call 215.785.0100 or visit www.brststage.org

Photo Credits #1 The King George Inn courtesy of www.kginn.com

Photo #2- Jo Twiss as Truvy - Photo #3- Barbara McCulloh as M'Lynn Eatenton

Photo Credits: Bristol Riverside Theater