Steel Magnolias is a comedy–drama about the bond among a group of southern women in northwest Louisiana. It is written by Robert Harling, based on his experience with the death of his sister, and will be directed by Abbey Gardner and produced by Melissa Knight. The title suggests the "female characters are as delicate as magnolias but ...as tough as steel". The magnolia specifically references a magnolia tree they are arguing about at the beginning. The action centers on Truvy's beauty parlour and the women who regularly gather there. The story begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. There is also a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser; Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl and then to a revival-tent Christian; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

Performances will be August 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City.

Characters

• Truvy Jones-(late 30s—50s) Wise-cracking owner of the beauty shop
  
  
• Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (late teens—20s) Truvy’s simple, yet enigmatic, assistant
  
  
• Clairee Belcher-(mid 40s—70s) Widow of the former mayor, a wealthy Grande Dame
  
  
• Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (20s) Sweet, smart and stubbornly independent
  
  
• M’Lynn Eatenton-(mid 40s—early 60s) Shelby’s mother, a socially prominent career woman
  
  
• Ouiser ("Weezer") Boudreaux (mid 50s—80s)-A wealthy curmudgeon. Acerbic but loveable.