The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Pictured from left, is the cast of Steel Magnolias: Janet Bland, Laura Bergeaux, Emily Buesing, Tanya Guillotte, Maggie Larson and Keri Foreman.

Orange Community Players will present a Southern true story of friendship and loss. The women in this play are witty, intelligent and above all, real characters.

This is a true story. Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, "In Memory of Susan Robinson", his sister died of diabetes and this play was dedicated to her son, Robert.

Steel Magnolias is a comedy/drama originally written for the stage by Mr. Harling and presented "OFF Broadway". It was later adapted for the silver screen and began a Broadway run in 2005. Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. Along with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle, styles the hair of many of the women about town: wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee and local curmudgeon Ouiser; intelligent and compassionate career woman M'Lynn and her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town.

Shelby's engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications. As the women of Chinquapin makes their ways over life's many hurdles together, they find comfort (and a fair amount of verbal ribbing) in one another.

These ladies are as strong as steel and tender as magnolias.

OCP plans a special dessert treat for Valentine's Day matinee, with wine, coffee and Stephanie's famous punch, during intermission.

Steel Magnolias runs Feb. 11, 12, 13, at 7:37 and a Sunday matinee Feb. 14 at 2:37. The second week, 18, 19, 20, at 7:37 and a Sunday matinee on Feb. 21 at 2:37.

Diana Hill is the director and assistant director. Making his debut is Barry Foster.