Steel Magnolias 1987

Opened: June 19, 1987
Closing: February 25, 1990

Steel Magnolias - 1987 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Music Box Theatre (Broadway)
239 West 45th St. New York, NY

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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STEEL MAGNOLIAS Comes to Steel Beam Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2024


Steel Beam Theatre will present the heartwarming comedy-drama, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. Directed by Pat Henderson, this production promises a delightful evening of laughter, tears, and Southern charm.

Steel Beam Theatre Announces Cast For STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 8, 2024


Discover the newly announced cast for the Steel Beam Theatre's Chicagoland production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

Niantic Bay Playhouse to Present STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 19, 2023


Don't miss the revival of the beloved theater play 'Steel Magnolias' at Niantic Bay Playhouse in Niantic, CT. Experience the timeless story of friendship, resilience, and love from October 20th to November 4th. Get your tickets now!

Palm Canyon Theatre Brings To Its Stage A Little Southern Comfort With STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by David Green - Sep 26, 2023


Palm Canyon Theatre presents the heartfelt Southern Classic Steel Magnolias. The 1987 play, which became a hit movie in 1989, takes audiences into the lives of the strong and endearing women who frequent Truvy’s Salon for hairdos, laughter and sage advice. Like many small close-knit communities, Chinquapin, Louisiana includes an entertaining cast of characters such as a town curmudgeon, an eccentric millionaire and a local social leader. A sudden realization of their mortality affects each of them, as they discover their underlying love for one another in this touching comedy.

Center Players Presents STEEL MAGNOLIAS This Fall
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 20, 2023


Center Players will begin its 2023-24 season with a Signature Series production of the enduringly popular Steel Magnolias. The comedic drama will run weekends October 13-Nov. 5 at Center Playhouse at 35 South Street in downtown Freehold, NJ.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Opens September 21 At Westwego Cultural Center
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2023


Jefferson Performing Arts Society kicks off its Westbank 46th season stage productions with Steel Magnolias this month at the Westwego Cultural Center on Sala Avenue in Westwego.

BWW Q&A: Director Trevor Southworth On Stephen King's MISERY at the Athens Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 13, 2023


Stephen King's 'Misery' will take the Stage at the Athens Theatre beginning September 22nd. We sat down with director Trevor Southworth to talk about bringing the show to life on stage.

Unveiling the Terror: Stephen King's MISERY Takes the Stage at the Athens Theatre! 
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 30, 2023


In the realm of modern horror literature, few names are as synonymous with fear and suspense as Stephen King. With a vast array of chilling stories that have captivated readers for decades, one of his most iconic and spine-tingling tales is Misery.  Now, fans and theater enthusiasts alike are about to embark on a heart-pounding journey as this gripping novel finds new life on the stage of the historic Athens Theatre from September 22nd to October 15th. 

Unveiling the Terror: Stephen King's MISERY Takes the Stage at the Athens Theatre
by Team BWW - Aug 30, 2023


In the realm of modern horror literature, few names are as synonymous with fear and suspense as Stephen King. With a vast array of chilling stories that have captivated readers for decades, one of his most iconic and spine-tingling tales is Misery.

Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS at MTH Theatre
by Steve Wilson - May 14, 2023


Padgett Productions, best known for ROCKY HORROR and EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, has stepped from its usual genres to inspire Kansas City audiences with the comedy-drama STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and Kansas City should be glad it has. What a fantastic show to bring to the main stage of MTH Theatre at Crown Center. STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a limited run through May 21.

Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Osceola Arts
by Joseph Harrison - May 1, 2023


'Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion', states southern sage and beauty shop owner Truvy Jones in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. No line of dialogue describes so well the audience's experience while viewing this hilarious and touching play. And in Osceola Arts’ latest production of the Robert Harling classic the laughs (and tears) are plenty – orchestrated by six talented actors embodying these old friends from Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Comes To Osceola Arts This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 14, 2023


Osceola Arts is thrilled to bring Steel Magnolias back to the stage. Beginning Friday, April 21st and running through Sunday, May 7th, the Osceola Arts Main stage will host this classic play, written by Robert Harling.

TheatreWorks Stages New Look At STEEL MAGNOLIAS This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2023


TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents a new look at the cherished comic drama Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. A tight-knit group of Southern women flock to Truvy's beauty parlor, where its occupants dish gossip, do hair, and provide strength and support through life's joys and tragedies.

The Garden Theatre Presents STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2023


The Garden Theatre, one of Houston's newest theatre companies, has announced its plans to bring Robert Harling's beloved play, Steel Magnolias, to life at MATCH. Featuring the well-known story of family and resilience, the production will run April 21-30, 2023 at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (3400 Main St.) in the heart of midtown.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Open at Tipping Point Theatre in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2023


Tipping Point Theatre will continue its 15th season on April 13th at 8 p.m. with the modern theatrical classic Steel Magnolias.

Classic Play ALL MY SONS Will Open at York's Belmont Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 9, 2023


The Belmont Theatre will present the classic, award winning play All My Sons by Arthur Miller March 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, April 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday show start at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 3 p.m. 

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Comes to Brighton This Month
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2023


Steel Magnolias, the hilarious and heart-warming play based on a true story, which enjoyed huge global success in the hit 1989 film adaptation starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, is coming to Theatre Royal Brighton from Tuesday 28 February to Saturday 4 March 2023 as part of an extensive UK and Ireland tour. 

City Theatre Austin Presents STEEL MAGNOLIAS Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2023


Fall in love with the ladies of Truvy’s Beauty Salon all over again! City Theatre Austin will open the 2023 season with Robert Harling’s comedic gem, Steel Magnolias. Under the direction of Artistic Director Andy Berkovsky, performances run March 10 – 26 at Genesis Fellowship Hall.

Harriet Thorpe and More Will Lead UK Tour of STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Stephi Wild - Dec 19, 2022


Steel Magnolias, the hilarious and heart-warming play based on a true story, which enjoyed huge  global success in the hit 1989 film adaptation starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, is embarking on  an extensive UK and Ireland tour in 2023.  Learn more about the cast and how to see the show at a theatre near you!

Cast Announced For the UK and Ireland Tour of STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Stephi Wild - Nov 22, 2022


The star-studded ensemble cast will feature Laura Main (best known as Sister Bernadette in BBC One’s Call the Midwife), Diana Vickers (The X Factor star who has gone on to lead roles in many theatre productions including Dial M For Murder and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) and Lucy Speed (known for her television roles on EastEnders and The Bill, and as a new cast member on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers).

Review: North Carolina Theatre's STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Jeffrey Kare - Nov 6, 2022


Set in Chinquapin, Louisiana during the late 1980s, Steel Magnolias takes place in Truvy's beauty salon 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 several of her friends.

Frank Mastrone, Jeff Gurner & More to Star in LEND ME A TENOR at Music Theatre of Connecticut
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2022


Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage will continue their 36th MainStage Season with the hilarious Tony Award winning play, Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig. Lend Me A Tenor will run three weekends from November 4th – 20th, 2022 with performances on Fridays & Saturday at 8pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Comes to the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 18, 2022


Notre Dame's Department of Film, Television, and Theatre (FTT) announces Robert Harling's beloved tragicomedy, Steel Magnolias, in the Patricia George Decio Theatre at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, November 10-13.

Rita Gardner, Original Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS, Passes Away at 87
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 25, 2022


Rita Gardner, who starred as Luisa in the original Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks, has passed away at the age of 87 from leukemia, according to friend and collegue Alex Rybeck.

Gloucester Stage Company To Present GRAND HORIZONS, Opening This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 13, 2022


The GLOUCESTER STAGE COMPANY will present the Tony Award-nominated GRAND HORIZONS next in the lineup of its 2022 season. Robert Walsh returns to Gloucester Stage to direct this thought-provoking comedy of marital malaise by award-winning playwright Bess Wohl, running from July 29 to August 21.

Steel Magnolias FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Steel Magnolias have there been?
Steel Magnolias has had 1 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1987.

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