Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling. A true story of friendship & courage.

M'Lynn (Donna Scarantino) is the mother of bride-to-be Shelby Eatenton (Piper Thomas), and as friend & salon owner, Truvy Jones (Benita Scheckel) fixes the women's hair for the ceremony, they welcome a helping hand from aspiring beautician Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Kimberly Kehoe), with characters Clairee Belcher (Paula Montgomery) and Ouiser Boudreaux(Sarah Hunter) entering to help with the festivities. During Shelby's Diabetic health scare, M'Lynn reveals the doctors have advised Shelby not to have children - Time passes, and the women encounter tragedy and good fortune, growing stronger and closer in the process. And in case you are wondering where the metaphor of “steel magnolia” was taken from, Harling said that it's a representation of boldness and tenderness that is fitting for every Southern woman. Harling is reminded of how his mother would often tell him to pick up magnolia blossoms with care since they quickly bruise.