Wolfpack Theatre Company presents 'Steel Magnolias'

When six strong-willed women gather in a small-town beauty salon, their witty banter can barely hide their deeper struggles. Presented by the Wolfpack Theatre Company at Glacier High School, “Steel Magnolias” shines a light on the enduring strength of women facing life’s toughest moments — together.

“Steel Magnolias” will be presented Nov. 12, 13, and 14 at 6:33 p.m. in the Wolfpack Theatre at GHS.  Advanced tickets for the show are available on GoFan, Glacier’s online ticketing service, and at Photo Video Plus. Any remaining tickets will also be sold at the door. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children, students and senior citizens. To access the ticketing service, go to gofan.co and search for Glacier High School.  Each showtime is listed for ticket purchase.

Written by Robert Harling, this heartwarming yet poignant play brings to life the bonds of friendship and family in the small, close-knit community of Chinquapin, Louisiana as it follows the daily lives of a group of local women who gather at Truvy’s beauty salon. Truvy (played by Kaylin Stein) is the outspoken and charismatic owner, aided by her new assistant Annelle (Myla Lamson), who is unsure of her place in the world. The regulars include Ouiser (Isabelle McKoy), the sharp-tongued town curmudgeon; Miss Clairee (Noel Cantrell), the wealthy and sweet-toothed socialite; and M’Lynn (Anya Rountree), a poised and loving mother. At the heart of the story is M’Lynn’s daughter Shelby (Sophie Johnson), the beautiful young woman who is determined to live life on her own terms despite battling a serious health condition.

“Directing such talented young women has been a joy. The story is so beautiful that I have wanted to direct it for a long time,” said the show’s director, Ivanna Fritz. “This group of students made it just the right time.”

The play weaves humor and heartbreak, as the women share stories, jokes, gossip and advice, all while dealing with their own personal struggles. As the story moves forward, humor mixes with tragedy, especially when Shelby’s life is put at risk by her decision to have a child despite her illness. The play explores themes of friendship, loss, and the unbreakable bonds between women. As they face both the everyday struggles and unexpected hardships of life, the characters demonstrate the power of love, support, and community.

Critics have long praised "Steel Magnolias" for its blend of humor and emotional depth. It has become a timeless classic because of its honest portrayal of the resilience and love shared among women, a theme that resonates just as deeply today as it did when the play first premiered.

The cast, which is made up of just the six female leads, is supported behind the scenes by a tech crew including Megan Mikelson, Abigail Haley, Naemi Creighton, Lillie Groom, Parker Scherer, Daniel Cole, Calvin Casey and Lincoln Shumard.