Actresses rehearse onstage for ‘Steel Magnolias’ as Director Madisson Heinl watches offstage.

WARSAW — The Center Street Community Theatre will be performing its first all female production as ‘Steel Magnolias’ takes over the Wagon Wheel Theatre stage Oct. 5 – 8.

The classic production takes place at Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. A group of six women share a close bond as they travel through life’s many journeys. The play is full of strong characters, comedic relief and emotional moments.

The show is directed by Madisson Heinl. This will be Heinl’s first time directing a full-length show with the community theatre. While her passion lies in comedy, she chose to direct this play because of the strong female characters who band together. 

Twenty-four women auditioned for a part in the play. With only six roles, each actress was chosen based on her talents, experiences and connections with the character.

It seems like the real lives of each actress matches perfectly with her character. Actress Katie Smallegan and her character Annelle are both new to the area and learning to adjust to local life. Actress Tammie Robinson also has a special connection to her character M’Lynn as both women have lived through losing their daughters to illness.

Despite all the female characters and emotional moments, cast members are quick to encourage men to attend the show as well.

“It’s not just for women,” encourages actress Katie Anders who plays Ouiser. “‘Steel Magnolias’ is a classic. Something that everyone can relate to.”

Those who have already seen the classic should still consider attending this unique production. The community theatre productions are special because they involve local actors who hold full-time jobs and lives in the community.They learn to juggle their normal life responsibilities while also putting on a full-length production.

“These are all real people, with real jobs and real lives,” explains Heinl.

A portion of the ticket sale proceeds will benefit JDRF, an organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research. Struggling with diabetes is one of the many storylines of the play.

To make the performance even more special, Oct. 7 is the birthday of Playwright Robert Harling’s sister, Susan Harling Robinson. Robert wrote the play based on the experience of his sister’s death. The fact that the play will be performed on her birthday was a coincidence Heinl didn’t discover until the play was already chosen.

Tickets for the show can be purchased online or at the box office the day of the show. Showtimes will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5, 6 and 7, with a 2 p.m. showing on Oct. 8.