STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Run 3/20-29 at Leddy Center

Director Elaine Gatchell presents Robert Harling's skillfully crafted story of strong women in the small-town South of the 80's. Centered in a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, Truvy, the owner played to perfection by Deirdre Bridge, dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, played brilliantly by Theresa Pratt, an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, with great wise-cracking delivery by Ibby Mead, and to the local social leader, M'Lynn, played lovingly by Lynn Rockwell, whose daughter, Shelby, with spirit and deep emotion played by Nicol Hotaling, is about to marry a "good ole boy." Truvy's new salon assistant, naïve Annelle, is played sweetly and innocently by Christina Kostoulakos.

Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue which builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving. Combine these great women with undeniable acting prowess, stir in the humor and pathos written so brilliantly by Robert Harling and directed by Elaine Gatchell, and Steel Magnolias is a must-see show. The movie of the same name, starred Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.

Steel Magnolias will be presented for two weekends, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays and one Wednesday at 2:00pm, March 20-29. Tickets are $18. and available on line at leddycenter.org or by calling the Box Office, Monday through Friday, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, at 603-679-2781.