Steel Magnolias opens March 5 in the Studio Theater

With a stream of hairspray PLU will enter the 80’s for the spring production of Steel Magnolias. The production runs for two weekends in the Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Studio Theater, March 5 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m.

The play, set in a small town in Louisiana, features an all-female cast. The scene is set in Truvy’s in-home beauty salon where six women gather and lead the audience through both good and bad life events of the next three years.

Audience members may have seen the film adaption starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field and Dolly Parton, which was produced in 1989.

“This play is well known and cherished by American audiences, “ Director Lori Lee Wallace says. “I think the challenge of producing this play is breathing fresh life into it in order to give the audience a unique experience.”

Staging the play in the Studio Theater brings an intimacy to the production. The audience is immersed in the story, where they can see subtleties and moments that would go unseen on the mainstage in Eastvold Auditorium.

One of Wallace’s favorite lines in the play is when Truvy states, “laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” This line describes one of the reasons Wallace thinks the play is worth seeing.

“See it to be reminded of life’s special moments; to learn how to find joy through sorrow; and to support a cast and crew who worked very hard to tell a wonderful story,” Wallace says.

Purchase tickets through the PLU Campus Box Office at the Concierge desk in the Anderson University Center and on the phone at 253-535-7411. Tickets are $8 General Admission, $5 for alumni and senior citizens (55+) and $3 for students and PLU Community. Tickets will be available at the door for cash only.

March 5 is a student preview where students get a free first look. Show your student ID (high school, middle school, other colleges, etc) at the Campus Concierge or at the door for your free ticket! Non-students are eligible to purchase for the standard ticket price. There is limited seating and we encourage patrons to reserve through the concierge.