“Steel Magnolias” coming to Barboursville

A Southern iconic story beloved by women is taking the main stage next month in Barboursville.

Four County Players will present “Steel Magnolias” over three weekends in May. Before the film of the same name, the northwest Louisiana women took their gossiping to the stage. American writer Robert Harling based the “Steel Magnolias” stage play on his experience with his sister’s death. The comedy-drama is about the bond among a group of Southern women as they deal with planning a wedding, one’s perpetual bad mood and a newcomer. 

“Steel Magnolias” is returning to the Four County Stage for the first time in more than two decades and is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. 

The production stars Stephanie Kowalczyk as Truvy Jones; Devynn Thomas as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto; Laurie Lowrance as Clariee Belcher; Stephanie Owen as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie; Paige Campbell Johns as M’Lynn Eatenton and Karen Murray as Ousier Boudreaux. The role of radio DJ is shared by Piper Wells and Sophie Traber. The play is directed by Cathy Stapleton with producer Kristen Dillehunt; production stage manager Debbie Owen and assistant stage manager Ruth Perry. Scenic design is by Jerry King with lead carpenter Pete Davies and scenic charge artist Mary Speed. Edward Warwick White serves as the set dressing and properties designer with Steven Reid as lighting designer, Katie Hutchins as sound designer and David Hutchins as sound engineer. Karen Schlicht and Laura Mawyer are costume designers with Karman Boisset as hair and makeup designer. Jennifer Phelps is the theater operations manager with Gary Warwick White as production manager. Devynn Thomas is assistant production manager and Nicholas Edelman is the shop and build supervisor.

The play will be performed May 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24 at 8 p.m. and May 11, 18 and 25 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors and students and $16 for children 12 and under. All Friday tickets are $12. The production contains mature subject matter, humor and conversations, as well as a gunshot sound effect. Parental discretion is advised.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fourcp.org or call the box office at (540) 832-5355. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.