‘Steel Magnolias’ takes us back to Truvy’s salon when it opens at

Sharon Weissman, left, Stacey Nickel, Kristen Kinder, Janis Logsdon, Stephanie Yoder and Leah Tipton rehearse a scene for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of the comedy-drama “Steel Magnolias” that opens May 12 and continues through May 21, 20233, at the Bristol Opera House.
BRISTOL — “Steel Magnolias” opens May 12 and continues through May 21 at Elkhart Civic Theatre’s Bristol Opera House, 210 E. Vistula St.
In Chinquapin, La., all the upper crust ladies go to Truvy’s salon to have their hair done in Robert Harling’s 1987 comedy-drama.

Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who may be still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to her patrons: rich curmudgeon Ouiser; eccentric millionaire Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter Shelby is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Kristen Kinder, left, and Janis Logsdon rehearse a scene for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of the comedy-drama “Steel Magnolias” that opens May 12 and continues through May 21, 20233, at the Bristol Opera House.
Harling based the play on his family’s experience with the death of his sister, Susan Harling-Robinson, from diabetic complications.