
Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. Along with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of many of the women about town: wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years”), intelligent and compassionate career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications. Eventually, when Shelby dies from complications related to her diabetes, M’Lynn has to deal with the most difficult of life’s challenges: the loss of one’s only child. As the women of Chinquapin makes their ways over life’s many hurdles together, they find comfort (and a fair amount of verbal ribbing) in one another. “You have no idea how wonderful you are,” M’Lynn tells the ladies at the end of the play. Truvy responds, with a smile, “Of course we do.”

Show Dates (2024):
Friday 10th November - 8pm
Saturday 11th November - 8pm
Sunday 12th November - 2pm
Wednesday 15th November - 8pm
Saturday 18th November - 2pm + 8pm
Sunday 19th November - 2pm
Friday 24th November - 8pm
Cast:
Nicole Harwood - Shelby
Rosie Daly - M'Lynn
Alison Woodgate - Truvy
Emma Lebeuf - Annelle
Anne Broomfield - Clairee
Rhonda Hancock - Ouiser
Crew
Assistant Director - Katie Darlington
Production Manager - Lisa Prophet
Stage Manager - Dianne Darlington
Stage Crew - Seth Bayley, Jack Darlington
Lighting Design - Mitchell Rist, Mark Prophet
Lighting Operator - Bryce Jones, Georgia Darlington
Sound Operator - Tomas Creed
Sound/Projection Design - Jason Darlington
Radio Voiceover - Samuel Polfreman
Set Design - Jason Darlington
Set Construction - Aurel Vasilescu, Mark Prophet, Rhonda Hancock; Katie, Georgia, Jack, Dianne Darlington
Costumes - Barbara Vasilescu
Photography - Tayah Gulyas, Jason Darlington
Publicity - Tayah Gulyas
FOH Co-ordinator - Lisa Prophet
Gallery
Reviews / Articles
Visit Penrith
Join the Henry Lawson Theatre for a remarkable theatrical experience as they proudly presents the timeless classic, 'Steel Magnolias.' Directed by Jason Darlington, this production promises to delight audiences with its heartwarming and poignant storytelling.
4th Wall Review
Gossiping as a concept is intriguing. We all engage in it, although deep down, we acknowledge that we probably shouldn't. It's impolite, spreads misinformation, and fosters division. All these points hold true. However, one of the reasons for our aversion to gossip, as some suggest, is rooted in misogyny. Even before the digital age, gossip served as a tool for disseminating news, but controlling who knew what and how much was impossible. In an attempt to curb this, the act was stigmatized, unfairly placing blame on women, despite men being just as involved. In reality, gossip ceased in mixed company and often thrived in gendered spaces that became hubs of community. "Steel Magnolias" unfolds in one such space—a home hair salon acting as the centre of community and friendship, complete with all the highs and lows. Adapted from the film of the same name, the play delves into these intricate connections, underscoring the significance of community.
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