correction STEEL MAGNOLIAS

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Synopsis
The action centers on Truvy's beauty parlour and some women who
regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby's
wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years,
including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1
diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. We also
get a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser;
Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a
partying woman and then to a religious fundamentalist; and Truvy's
relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline
involves Shelby, her mother and Shelby's medical battles, the
underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent
throughout the drama.

Background
The story of Steel Magnolias is based on the death of Robert Harling's
younger sister, Susan Harling Robinson, a diabetic. As her best friend
and closest sibling, Harling found it very difficult to cope with her
death. He was advised by many of his friends to write about his
feelings as a coping method. It began as a short story and evolved
into a full length play due to the complexity of the relationships and
emotions that existed within the characters. Harling felt it important
to include the way the characters utilized humor and lighthearted
conversations to assist them in coping with the seriousness of the
underlying situations. Harling wanted the viewer to have a true
experience of what his family endured. Because of the true to life
situation, this story is received by viewers in many different ways.

The setting is the fictional small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana which
is located in the (also fictional) parish of Chinquapin.

Stage play
The stage play, written by Robert Harling, is still popular today and
has frequent productions mounted throughout the United States. It was
originally staged Off-Broadway. All of the action of the play takes
place solely on one set — Truvy's beauty salon, which is part of her
house. There are only six characters (all female) that appear on
stage. There is the voice of a DJ on the radio that is heard during
the play. All the other characters (like the male characters) that
appear in the film version are only referred to in the dialog.

This HCT show, directed by Brandy Vrchoticky stars:

Truvy Jones—Timi Jordison
Clairee Belcher—Joan Meyer
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie—Alyssa Sparks
M'Lynn Eatenton—Heidi Nelson
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto—Susan Hellig
Ouiser Boudreaux—Barb Cory

It opens Sunday June 6th for a matinee at 2:00 pm, and then runs for
six nights, June 7th through June 12th at 7:00 pm at Hawkeye Theatre,
521 N 12th St, Ft Dodge IA. Seats are $15, Students and Seniors $10,
or a suitable Membership in Hawkeye Community Theatre. The show is
performed under authority and license of Dramatists Play Service, NY,
NY, USA.