Local production celebrates 30-year anniversary of ‘Steel Magnolias’

Arla Ralston
Contributing Writer

The movie, Steel Magnolias, turns 30 this year, and theaters across the nation will be showing the classic southern film in a special three-day run the weekend of May 18.

But don’t worry.

Pocahontas County won’t miss out on the party just because we don’t have a movie theater. Instead, local audiences will be treated to the live stage version that same weekend.

The Drama Workshop’s production of Steel Magnolias will be presented Friday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Opera House in Marlinton. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.

“There’s no question this is an 80s show,” Director Charlie Maghee Hughes said. “You’ll see big hair and shoulder pads; there will be talk of track lighting and having your colors done. But the story it tells of the friendship between a group of women in a Louisiana town is timeless.”

The play, which came before the movie, is all about the women. That’s the biggest difference between the two. The play takes place entirely in Truvy’s Beauty Shop, and there are no male characters.

As M’Lynn explains, “Drum would never set foot in a beauty shop. This is woman’s territory. He probably thinks we all run around naked or something.”

There will be no nudity, but there will be plenty of laughter in this quick witted, fast paced play. Though the movie is often thought of as a “chick flick,” Hughes hopes to see a lot of men in the audience.

“Steel Magnolias is perfect for date night as well as a Girl’s Night Out,” she said.

If you plan to attend, Hughes suggests you tuck a few tissues in your pocket because as Truvy says, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”