Steel Magnolias

Would it be better  to live 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special? Based on a true story, Steel Magnolias explores the bond of female friendship when faced with adversity.  Witty, warm, uplifting and heart-breaking audiences will be laughing out loud at the one-liners despite the moments of sorrow. We meet six distinct but connected women who meet regularly at a hair and beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Truvy Jones runs the salon with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle. Among their customers are wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux, intelligent and compassionate career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, pretty, youthful and vivacious. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications. There are many hurdles for all the women to face but they find comfort in one another. The play by Robert Harling was also adapted as a screenplay for a successful film starring Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Sally Anne Field. Harling’s own sister died from complications relating to diabetes and potential for such tragedy is always lurking in the wings in this emotional, funny and thought-provoking drama.

The play is considered witty, warm, uplifting and heart-breaking as it explores whether it is best to live 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.