Steel Magnolias Bloom in Chester

In the 1989 movie, Steel Magnolias, the unforgettable characters portrayed by Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis warmed hearts, tickled funny bones and courted Oscars. Now the play that inspired the hit movie will be brought to life on the stage of the Black River Playhouse by the Chester Theatre Group.

 Set in a small town in Louisiana (in the time of really big hair), Steel Magnolias paints an indelible portrait of six women who gather regularly at Truvy’s  Beauty Shop for gossip, friendship and support through the most trying—and—hilarious times of their lives.

 The all-female cast features Debbie Bernstein of Maplewood as M’Lynn, Beth Amiano Gleason of Chester as Truvy, Jackie Jacobi of Edison as Annelle, Roseann Ruggiero of Ledgewood as Clairee, Wendy Schibener of Morris Plains as Shelby, and Elaine Wallace of Flemington as Ouiser.

 “It’s the funniest play that will ever make you cry,” said director Clifford Parrish.

The show’s nine performances begin on May 3 and runs through May 18. Tickets can be reserved by calling the theater box office at 908-879-7304 or by visiting the website.