Adelphi University is proud to present Steel Magnolias, the 1980s epic by Robert Harling, in the University’s Performing Arts Center (AU PAC), Olmsted Theatre, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY. Steel Magnolias, starring the University’s theatre majors and under the direction of Professor and Theatre Department Chair Nicholas Petron M.A. ‘70, opens its seven performance run on Tuesday, March 9 and closes on Sunday, March 14, 2010 (performance times vary). A post-show discussion will follow the March 10, 6:30 p.m. performance. This production promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

Steel Magnolias is best-known for the 1989 movie adaptation, which featured an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, and Dolly Parton, to name a few. Prepare to laugh out loud and shed a few tears with this People’s Choice Award winner. Set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, the story of six women who work at, and patronize the salon, as they discuss the joys and challenges of their lives, provides many delightful and entertaining moments. Anybody, who is anybody, goes to Truvy’s to get her hair done where the philosophy is “There is no such thing as natural beauty.” There is gossip, a shoulder to cry on, and gorgeous hair. Steel Magnolias explores the dynamics of life, love, and laughter with acerbic wit and humor. During the play, these resilient women support each other through divorce, romance, marriage, religious awakening, childbirth, and death. The play reveals the underlying strength-and love-among its marvelous cast of characters when tragedy strikes, it reminds all of us that life is a precious gift to celebrate. Mr. Harling based the play on real life stories of his experiences growing up around strong, independent Southern women.

The lead roles will be performed by Adelphi theatre students Brittney Massari ‘10 (Truvy Jones), Jillian Kerkhoff ‘12 (Annelle Dupuy-Desoto), Leana Simpson ‘11 (Clarie Belcher), Jessica Gray ‘10 (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie), Anna Smith ‘10 (M’Lynn Eatenton), and Emma Dubin ‘10 (Ouiser Boudreaux).

There will be a beauty prize raffled off at each performance and the proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Individual tickets for this event are on sale now at $15 regular admission, $10 for seniors and alumni, and $7 for students. To learn more about AU PAC’s exciting 2009-2010 season, please visit aupac.adelphi.edu or call the AU PAC Box Office at (516) 877-4000.