Cotuit Center for the Arts Presents “Steel Magnolias”

COTUIT – The Cotuit Center for the Arts presents “Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling, starting May 17 and running through the 29th.

Alternately hilarious and touching, “Steel Magnolias” is full of sharp, funny dialogue.

It is the story of friendship and bonding among six women who gather regularly in Truvy’s beauty parlor in Louisiana.

Truvy is a strong, outspoken woman who dispenses free advice to a two-time widow, while her new assistant, eagerly tries to help.

The play opens on Shelby’s wedding day, as she comes to the salon to get her hair done and follows a group of the women for three years, through squabbles and relationship conflicts, friendship and group bonding, and the consequences of a serious illness.

“Steel Magnolias” is Harling’s fictionalized account of his sister’s illness and the women who stand by her.

Harling was a struggling actor when a friend encouraged him to write about his sister as a way of healing.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Harling decided to use humor and lighthearted conversation to tell his story to give a true representation of his family’s experience.

“Even in the darkest hours,” Harling is quoted as saying, “there’s stuff that makes you giggle.”

Tickets are $28, $25 for seniors and veterans, and $23 for members.

For more information, go to artsonthecape.org.