The Twilight Theatre will kick off its sophomore season with their production of “Steel Magnolias” opening this weekend.

Steel Magnolias are a special breed of Southern Belles who survive disaster and deprivation by using their natural secret weapons: laughter and love. This two hour gem is set in Truvy's Beauty Shop in Louisiana and tells the tale of six small-town ladies over a period of 18-months in their lives. Weddings, funerals, scandal, love and friendship all play a part in this southern play, and though they may go into Truvy’s with worries, wrinkles and tears, they leave fortified with smiles, support and beauty.

The local production of this perennial favorite will feature Beth Nicholson as the cantankerous, eccentric Ouiser; Angie Hiltzheimer as the ever-evolving Annelle; Amanda Burger as the sassy and colorful beauty proprietor; and Tammy Barton as the humorous former mayor's wife and town socialite. Real-life mother/daughter Jeanne Chambers and Alison Chambers play on-stage mother/daughter M'Lynn Eatenton and Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie.

Alison Chambers, artistic director of The Twilight Theatre, stated, “What most people don’t know is that ‘Steel Magnolias’ is actually based on a true story. The character of Shelby is based on the author’s sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who died after she decided to have a baby, against the advice of her doctors. She died from complications of diabetes and a kidney transplant. Her mother gave her a kidney, but the transplant ultimately failed. Concerned that his 2 year-old nephew would never know his mother and also seeking a way to express his grief, Robert Harling started writing what he thought would be a one act play. He wound up writing the play as we know it today, a two act play, in ten days.”

“Steel Magnolias” was a smashing success on Broadway before Harling adapted it for the big screen, and since then Harling, who was originally an actor, has become a sought-after playwright. The Broadway play was so successful that it eventually was made into a movie. Harling wrote the screenplay, adding men into the mix and bringing the ladies out of the beauty shop for some of the action. The movie was also filmed in Harling’s hometown.

Performances are scheduled for April 13 and 14 and 19-21 at 8 p.m. each night. Matinees will be presented on April 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. All shows will be staged at the newly renovated Fayette YMCA Blackbox Theatre at 215 Huiet Road in Fayetteville. During intermission there will be a bake sale featuring delectable prepared by local Steel Magnolias, and as is the custom, the recipes will be available, too. Tickets are only $10, but seating is limited, so reserving your seats ahead of time is strongly suggested. Reservations can be made by calling the theatre at 770-486-9224 or emailing SteelMagsTix@TheTwilightTheatre.com.

Twilight has an exciting sophomore season planned, including productions of “Les Miserables” and “The Music Man,” both to be performed at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City and The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate’s Townswomen’s Guild’s Dramatic Society’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” For more information, visit Twilight’s website at www.TheTwilightTheatre.com.