Photo Flash: First Look at TexARTS' STEEL MAGNOLIAS

TexARTS presents Robert Harling's "Steel Magnolias" at the Kam & James Morris Theatre, October 16-25. The third production in TexARTS' 2015-16 professional series, "Steel Magnolias" is a glimpse into the lives of six Southern women who are "delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel."

Leading the production is award-winning Austin director Christina J. Moore. Moore has been an active member of the Austin theatre scene for over two decades, and has taught directing on the faculties of St. Edward's University, Southwestern University, and The University of Texas-Austin. Moore is also the executive artistic director and co-founder ofScriptWorks, a playwright development and service organization in Austin.

"This cast is really exciting," Jarret Mallon, TexARTS executive director, said. "Christi Moore and Babs George have been in theatre in Austin for years. Combining their experience with up-and-coming talent like Jenny Lavery makes this an amazingly vibrant group. These actors are just as dynamic as the characters they portray."

Set entirely in the in-home salon of Truvy Jones, six women in different stages of life share their moments of joy and tragedy when they meet every Saturday to get their hair done. Between the gossip, advice, and nagging, they are each other's strongest support and best comic relief.

Babs George (M'Lynn) returns to TexARTS where she previously played the role of Amanda Wingfield in "The Glass Menagerie." George's other recent credits include "Mad Beat Hip & Gone" at the Zach. Jenny Lavery (Shelby) is the co-artistic director of Theatre en Bloc where she recently appeared in the locally-acclaimed "Jacob's Ladder." Linda Bradshaw (Clairee) is an active performer in Central Texas. Her past roles include "White Christmas" with the Lakeway Players "Always, Patsy Cline" at the Georgetown Palace. Allison Orr (Truvy) is an active performer in Austin, recently appearing in "Please Help Me Find a Whisper" at the Blue Theatre and "Blessed Art Thou" at the Hyde Park Theatre. Aly Jones (Annelle) is a recent graduate of St. Edward's University. Her credits at the Mary Moody Northen Theatre include "The Robber Bridegroom" and "Misalliance." Sheila Lucas (Ouiser) performs and directs regularly in the Central Texas region. Recent acting credits include roles in "Always, Patsy Cline" and "On Golden Pond."

"Steel Magnolias" was written by Robert Harling. The play was originally produced by the W.P.A. Theatre, New York City, in 1987.

Individual tickets are now on sale and start at $40. Purchase tickets at www.tex-arts.org or call the TexARTS Box Office at 512-852-9079 x101

Showtimes: October 16-17, 23-24 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25 at 2:00 p.m.