Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, is a 1987 off-Broadway play, made into a successful movie in 1989. Based on the author's experience with the death of his sister, Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of southern women in northwest Louisiana.

Synopsis

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The action centers around Truvy's beauty parlor and some women who regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next few years, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite being diabetic and the consequences that result from the decision. We also get a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser; Annelle's transformations from a shy, anxious newcomer in town, to a partying woman, then to a religious fundamentalist; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother, and Shelby's battle with her medical condition, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

Stage Play

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The stage play, written by Robert Harling, is still popular today, as attested by its production in many theatres across the United States. It takes place completely in Truvy's beauty salon (which is part of her house); only the six female characters appear on stage, during their visits to Truvy's salon, with no other voices except that of a DJ on the radio. (The other male characters exist only through references in the dialogue.) The original stage production took place at the WPA Theatre on 28 March 1987, directed by Pamela Berlin, and featuring Margo Martindale as Truvy, Constance Shulman as Annelle, Kate Wilkinson as Clairee, Mary Fogarty as Ouiser, Blanche Baker as Shelby, and Rosemary Prinz as M'Lynn. This production moved to the Lucille Lortel Theatre on 19 June 1987, with Betsy Aidem taking over the role of Shelby.

A new version of the play was produced in the Spring of 2004 with the play making its Broadway debut. Previews of the new production began March 15, 2004 and officially opened on April 4. The cast included Delta Burke as Truvy, Christine Ebersole as M'Lynn, Rebecca Gayheart as Shelby, Marsha Mason as Ouiser, Lily Rabe as Annelle and Frances Sternhagen as Clairee. At the close of its run, the staging had played 23 previews and 136 regular performances. A touring production of Steel Magnolias is expected for the 2007-08 season. Many regional theaters also perform the play each year.

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Quote of the Day: "Smile, it enhances your face value" - Dolly Parton as Truvy in 'Steel Magnolias'
JLGeee (Jay Elle Gee) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:44:01 -0000
Quote of the Day: "Smile, it enhances your face value" - Dolly Parton as Truvy in 'Steel Magnolias'
@SanaNadeem titanic, runaway bride, carrie, 16 candles, the breakfast club, a beautiful mind, just married, dark knight, steel magnolias
platoniclove (Mary Kay) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:48:28 -0000
@SanaNadeem titanic, runaway bride, carrie, 16 candles, the breakfast club, a beautiful mind, just married, dark knight, steel magnolias
Quote of the Day: "Smile, it enhances your face value" - Dolly Parton as Truvy in 'Steel Magnolias'
CraftyJan (Gilly) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:42:56 -0000
Quote of the Day: "Smile, it enhances your face value" - Dolly Parton as Truvy in 'Steel Magnolias'
Now I am watching steel magnolias
Jacquie34 (Jacquie34) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:35:01 -0000
Now I am watching steel magnolias
@jjyoung11 @BariJ ESPN??? No, with a screen like that you can watch Steel Magnolias and You've Go Mail so much better. Sigh.
Fabritopia (Jona) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:44:46 -0000
@jjyoung11 @BariJ ESPN??? No, with a screen like that you can watch Steel Magnolias and You've Go Mail so much better. Sigh.
Miley's Favorite Movies: Steel Magnolias, One Fine Day, and P.S. I Love You (mine too)
WeAdmireMiley (Team Miley) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:46:34 -0000
Miley's Favorite Movies: Steel Magnolias, One Fine Day, and P.S. I Love You (mine too)

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