March 21-April 13

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling

Directed by Peter Gelblum

The basis for the Academy Award-nominated film starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, this bittersweet comedy explores the dynamics of life, love, friendship, and loss in a small-town Louisiana beauty parlor. Truvy, the outspoken owner, dispenses shampoos and free advice to her clients, who gather each week to talk, gab, gossip, needle, and, above all, laugh (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”). And then, when tragedy strikes, the friends gather to cry, comfort, support, and repair each other. These women are true steel magnolias: southern belles who are flowery on the outside but strong enough on the inside to survive any challenge, particularly when they stick together. Ultimately, this hilarious and moving play reminds us that friendship and life are precious gifts to celebrate.