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It is difficult to not enjoy “Steel Magnolias,” even if you might shed a tear or two.

The play “Steel Magnolias,” despite being incredibly funny, is really a tale of tragedy. Set in a small town in the Deep South, the plot focuses on six women who dicker and tease one another while also providing each other profound support when things get rough.

It is, in essence, a story of complex female bonding set in a 1980s beauty salon. There are no set changes; the acting and story carry the four acts for the nearly two-and-a-half-hour production.

Roughly, daughter Shelby, played by Greer Kukuk, wants a child, but her mother, M’Lynn, warns against it due to Shelby’s Type 1 diabetes, which is thought to prevent her from having a baby. But the unexpected happens and a child is born — against M’Lynn’s initial wishes.

The acting is superb, and Evonne Kezios, who plays Ouiser (pronounced as “weezer”), provides — just when it’s needed — intensity and incredible comedic relief.

Director Rachel Lopez describes the five women as “a few of the powerhouse actors that Reno has to offer. The characters are so rich and layered it is obvious that the author had a personal connection with each of them. The story has heart.”

She’s right. It is difficult to not enjoy “Steel Magnolias,” even if you might shed a tear or two.

Information

Link: http://renolittletheater.org/events/event/steel-magnolias/

CAST:

• Greer Kukuk as Shelby
• Sandra Neace as M’Lynn
• Jamie Lynn Woodham as Truvy
• Moira Bengochea as Clairee
• Evonne Kezios as Ouiser
• Katie Hughes as Annelle

Written by: Robert Harling
Directed by: Rachel Lopez

Dates:
Evening Showdates: 1/25 (tt), 1/26, 1/27, 2/1 (tt), 2/2, 2/3, 2/8 (tt), 2/9, 2/10 @ 7:30 pm
Matinee Showdates: 1/28*, 2/4, 2/11 @ 2:00 pm

(tt) = Thirsty Thursday- FREE drink with ticket purchase, * denotes post-show talk-back.

Tickets:

• Adult: $25
• Senior/Military: $20
• Student: $15