Applause Theatre Company will present Steel Magnolias at their theatre on 409 Main Street, Duryea. Performance dates are September 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Performances begin at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays; 3pm on Sundays. Tickets are $12.

Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias is a southern comedy-drama about a close-knit circle of female friends who gather in the beauty parlor of a small Louisiana town. Even the most cynical audience member will be inspired by the struggles of a mother and her spirited daughter as they try to cope with marriage, illness, childbirth and early death. Harling’s depiction of the strong southern woman during the toughest of times has proved to many audiences that more than sweet southern belles, women in this country must be made of steel to survive.

After opening on Broadway in 1987, Steel Magnolias quickly became one of the most often produced plays in the world because of its gentle humor and touching relationship drama. It was also made into a successful film with Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Olympia Dukakis. Don’t let its popularity dissuade you– Steel Magnolias is a joy precisely because of its universal appeal.

For reservations call 457-4145.