Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling, was first performed on stage in 1987 in New York. The play had great appeal, the rights were quickly purchased, and the movie of the same name hit theaters in 1989. And a true hit it was! Almost 100 million people saw this movie and millions more in the years following.

The story takes place in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. The characters are right out of a southern community of close friends who know each other well enough to speak their minds.

Helped by her eager new assistant Annell (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ousier. Ousier’ s cover is “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for 40 years.”

An eccentric millionaire is Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth. She is also the local social leader. M’Lynn whose daughter Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy” worries about what might go wrong.: Filled with hilarious repartee and many acerbic and humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when the spunky Shelby risks pregnancy and her life for marriage and family. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others. It also draws out their underlying strength and love.

This play will be directed by Dennis and Dottie McClain, long-time PAPA directors and producers.

The performance dates are scheduled for April 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27at The Plaza Arts Center.