‘Steel Poinsettias’ at The Ringwald: A Sharp, Camp-Charged Holiday Parody With Heart
The Ringwald Theatre’s holiday parody Steel Poinsettias returns to Ferndale with a brisk, high-energy production that merges affectionate satire with bursts of genuine emotion. Directed by Vince Kelley and Brandy Joe Plambeck, the 2025 staging leans confidently into the camp inherent in revisiting the world of Steel Magnolias, letting the ensemble deliver a holiday comedy marked by exaggerated personality and unexpected warmth.
[Warning: spoilers from Steel Poinsettas are below!]
The cast & creative of Steel Poinsettias
Set once again inside Truvy’s iconic salon—this time decked in festive trim—the play follows familiar faces as they navigate new crises, holiday pressures, and shifting family dynamics. While the script embraces absurdity, the performers anchor the parody with committed character work and unforced chemistry.
At the center is Joe Bailey (M’Lynn), whose grounded performance provides the production with its emotional throughline. Bailey’s portrayal balances parody with sincerity; even as the script heightens M’Lynn’s maternal anxieties and sharp humor, Bailey finds the tenderness beneath the exaggeration. His scenes gain particular weight when the plot turns toward Jackson Jr.’s disruptive “announcement,” giving the comedic romp a surprising dose of heart.
Surrounding him is a sharply tuned ensemble. Jamie Richards (Ouiser) seizes the show’s most caustic comedic beats with impeccable timing, while Mark Sobolewski (Clairee) offers a more socially polished counterpoint, delivering droll commentary with a light hand. Both actors thrive in the play’s rapid-fire exchanges, elevating jokes that might otherwise play as throwaways.
Richard Payton (Truvy) injects the salon owner with bright-eyed charm and a steady sense of optimism, creating an inviting anchor for the story’s chaotic moments. Meanwhile, Brandy Joe Plambeck (Annelle) brings a calmer, more tempered presence—an effective foil to the eccentricity swirling around him. Their dynamic underscores the generational contrasts within the play, a theme that becomes more prominent as the younger characters step forward.
Quinn Jacob (Shelby) and Chase Bowman (Jackson, Jr.) add youthful momentum and emotional stakes to the narrative. Their scenes introduce the tension that propels the plot, and both navigate the delicate balance between comedy and sincerity that the script demands.
The production’s visual approach is unpretentious and intentional. Modest but effective scenic design keeps the focus squarely on character interplay, while holiday accents contribute to the tone without overwhelming it. Lighting cues are concise and well-timed, supporting the shifts between heightened humor and the occasional emotional beat.
When the cast operates as a full ensemble, the energy is unmistakably cohesive. Their rapport fuels the show’s momentum, and their willingness to push character archetypes gives the piece its signature charm. What emerges is a holiday comedy that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a playful, heart-forward parody that honors its source material even as it lightens it.
Visit the salon at The Ringwald Theatre today!
For audiences seeking traditional holiday sentimentality, Steel Poinsettias may land outside their expectations. But for those craving a spirited, fast-paced, and knowingly theatrical escape—especially one featuring a standout comedic cast—The Ringwald’s latest entry in its seasonal canon delivers a lively and accessible option. Steel Poinsettias reaffirms The Ringwald’s ability to balance bold humor with genuine affection for the stories that inspire it. This year’s production feels particularly well-calibrated: bright, cheeky, and sincere enough to leave an impression long after the final punchline.
Playing December 5–21, 2025
Run Time: 70 minutes
Steel Poinsettias closes this weekend at The Ringwald, so get your tickets now to Truvy’s Salon! Have you checked out this show yet? Let us know your thoughts @BoxSeatBabes on social media!
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