Though most are familiar with the film version of Steel Magnolias (starring Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and other well known actresses), the play came first, and met with immediate critical and popular success in its premier production in 1987 by New York’s WPA Theatre. It eventually made it to Broadway in 2005. 

Concerned with a group of colorful southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching—and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters. Playwright Robert Harling wrote the play from his own family's experience.  His sister Susan and her story were the inspiration for this beautiful play.

“Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” —NY Daily News. 

“…a skillfully crafted, lovingly evoked picture of eccentricity in the small-town South…Robert Harling is a new voice in the theatre and the qualities of STEEL MAGNOLIAS suggest he may be an important one.” —Drama-Logue. 

“…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” —NY Post.