STEEL MAGNOLIAS Opens At Algonquin Arts Theatre February 23

Robert Harling's critically acclaimed comedy-drama "Steel Magnolias" opens at Algonquin Arts Theatre on Saturday, February 23, at 8 p.m.

Set in a small-town beauty salon, the show is a beloved classic following a group of southern ladies with plenty of witty humor and gossip among them. The movie adaptation is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Along with her new assistant, Annelle, Truvy, the beauty salon's outspoken, wise-cracking owner, doles out free advice to the wealthy, bad-tempered Ouiser, the eccentric Miss Clairee and the social leader M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to get married. The play combines tragedy with humor when Shelby, a diabetic, risks pregnancy and, in turn, her life.

"Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue ... The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving," The New York Daily News said.

The 1989 movie "Steel Magnolias" is a fan favorite, starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Daryl Hannah. The movie has received several awards and nominations, including the 1990 People's Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture.

"Steel Magnolias" opens at the Algonquin Arts Theatre on Saturday, February 23 at 8 p.m. The Sunday performances on February 24 and March 3 at 3 p.m. are almost sold out, but plenty of seats are available for Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The event is recommend for ages 13 and older. Children under age four will not be admitted.

Premium tickets are $40 for adults, $37 for seniors and $31 for students. Regular tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for seniors and $23 for students. To order, visit algonquinarts.org or call the Algonquin Box Office at 732-528-9211.

Many veterans of the Algonquin stage star in "Steel Magnolias" including Lynne Truex of Brick ("Beauty & The Beast," "Gypsy," "Glass Menagerie") as Ouiser Boudreaux and Jessica O'Brien of Waretown ("Kiss Me, Kate," "Damn Yankees," "Barefoot in the Park") as Shelby Eatenton Latcherie. Also returning to feature are

Marti Bookstein of Toms River ("Carousel," "My Fair Lady", "Lend Me a Tenor") as Clairee Belcher, Samantha Reyne of Monroe Township ("Noises Off") as Annelle Dupup and Loretta Boyle of Asbury Park ("Guys & Dolls") as M'Lynn Eatenton. Algonquin Arts Theatre also welcomes back

Samantha Whelan of Ocean will make her Algonquin debut as Truvy Jones.

The production is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. "Steel Magnolias" is directed by Joseph Ficarra of Point Pleasant and produced by Julie Nagy.

The creative team for "Steel Magnolias" also includes scenic designer Jason Greenhouse, lighting designer Roman Klima, costume designer Meghan Reeves, properties manager Karen Ficarra, stage manager Noelle Winters and assistant stage manager Shaun Katz

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