Downtown Playhouse to Present Steel Magnolias

“Steel Magnolias” will be staged at the Downtown Playhouse in Pocahontas this summer. The highly popular drama begins its five-week run on July 7.

“’Steel Magnolias’ has been one of the most requested plays by our patrons at the Downtown Playhouse, and we are happy to be able to stage this production,” said Kelly Grooms, who is directing the drama. “This is an incredibly moving play, plus there is a great deal of humor in it. We have a wonderful cast that will bring these characters to life on the stage.”

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Amidst the witty verbal jousting of Truvy’s shop, a tragic story unfolds involving Shelby, an ill young lady who 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 amiable company in good times and bad.

“’Steel Magnolias’ is a testament to the strength, compassion and unwavering friendship of Southern women. Just as the title suggests, Southern women are known for their toughness (the steel) as well as their beauty, delicacy and sweetness (the magnolias). We all have ‘Steel Magnolias’ in our lives and that’s why this play is always popular and so loved,” said Carol Belford-Lewallen, who plays Ouiser in the production.

The play is sponsored by Integrity First Bank and First Advantage Home Care, and it will be staged July 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29 and August 4 and 5.

Cost is $19.60, tax included, and admission to the play also comes with a dessert and beverage. Dessert options for this production include Key Lime Pie, Cookies ‘n Cream Pie, Red Velvet Cake and Sugar Free Jello Parfait, as well as a wide variety of hot and cold beverages.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thedowntownplayhouse.com or call (870) 758-2282.

The Downtown Playhouse is located at 302 North Marr Street in Pocahontas.

Photo attached of the cast of Steel Magnolias. Seated (left to right): Tonya Bolton, Brittany Grooms and Carol Belford-Lewallen. Standing: Ali Turbyeville, Hope Lemmons and Lisa Girard.