Forsyth’s Backlot Players bring back ‘Steel Magnolias’

The beloved play “Steel Magnolias” returns to the Rose Theater in Forsyth this weekend.

The Backlot Players put on the play once before, more than 15 years ago, director Kim Ducheneau said.

“It’s a great Southern comedy show and a very well-written play that strikes a chord with everyone,” she said.

In contrast to the movie of the same name, the play features no men, with a cast of only six women: Erica Martin as Truvy, Marilyn Tucker-Marek as Shelby, Kelli Gilstrap as M’Lynn, Dara Fountain as Clairee, DeLane Helms as Oiuser and Elizabeth Hunter as Annelle.

The play takes place entirely in Truvy’s beauty shop and follows the women over the course of a few years.

“It shows that strength women have to deal with whatever comes their way — good, bad or otherwise. It’s not always easy. It’s not always fun, but we move on,” Ducheneau said. “‘Steel’ refers to our emotional ability to handle anything that comes our way.”

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Forsyth’s Backlot Players bring back ‘Steel Magnolias’."