Set in a hair-dressing salon in small-town Cinquapin Parish, Louisiana, in the 1980s, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling and directed by Ian Harrop re-starts its season at the Little Theatre, Te Aroha after the Covid-19 lockdown. This stage version was subsequently made into a $US100 million grossing movie starring a galaxy of big Hollywood stars. The story revolves around the lives of a tightly-knit band of neighbours and confronts their griefs, loss, life's unforeseen tragedies and heartaches with what they do best: gossiping and sharing. The spirited diabetic and bride-to-be, Shelby; her always supportive mother, M'Lynn; hairdresser Truvy and her gawky assistant, Annelle; the town's curmudgeon, Ouiser; and the town's former first lady, Clairee, are the warm Southern belles who know how to survive life's challenges with their unwavering friendship. They’ll have you laughing, crying, and leave you wondering but above all keep you enthralled and entertained. Don’t miss it!