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Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias

by Robert Harling

Comedy
Small Cast (3-8)

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Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias





A hillarious and touching play by Robert Harling.


Story:

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.


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Fun Fact

Harling based Steel Magnolias on the life of his sister and their experience growing up in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Playwright

Playwright
Robert Harling



Broadway Premiere

Theatre
Lyceum Theatre
Opening Night
April 4, 2005
Total Performances
136
Original Cast
Delta Burke, Christine Ebersole, Rebecca Gayheart, Marsha Mason, Lily Rabe, Frances Sternhagen
Director
Jason Moore
Producer
Roy Gabay, Robyn Goodman, Danzansky Partners, Ergo Entertainment, Ruth Hendel, Sharon Karmazin, Susan Dietz, Ina Lea Meibach, Michael Galvis, Billy Huddleston, Elsa Daspin Suisman and Martha R. Gasparian;
Scenic Design
Anna Louizos
Costume Design
David Murin
Lighting Design
Howell Binkley
Sound Design
Ken Travis
Hair Design
Bobby H. Grayson

1989 Film Version

Movie Name
Steel Magnolias
Type
Hollywood Feature Film
Director
Herbert Ross
Screenplay
Robert Harling
Starring
Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts

1990 TV Version

Movie Name
Steel Magnolias
Type
Sitcom (Pilot)
Director
Thomas Schlamme
Screenplay
Robert Harling
Starring
Cindy Williams, Sally Kirkland, Elaine Stritch, Polly Bergen, Sheila McCarthy

2012 TV Version

Movie Name
Steel Magnolias
Type
Made for TV Movie
Director
Kenny Leon
Screenplay
Sally Robinson
Starring
Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Adepero Oduye, Condola Rashad








2005 Drama Desk Award Nominations

Outstanding Featured Actress In A Play - Lily Rabe

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