The ladies who frequent Truvy's hair salon in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana, are best friends, mothers and daughters, lifelong rivals and newcomers. Together, the six women learn to cope with empty nests, distant husbands, new beginnings and sad endings in "Steel Magnolias," presented September 11-27 by Red Curtain Productions at the Historic Everett Theatre.

The outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy, played by local favorite L. "Sam" Samano, and her new glamour technician, Annelle (Diane Kenley), dispense shampoos and free advice to their Saturday morning customers. Curmudgeonly Ouiser is played Sherry Penoyer, returning to the local stage after a 9-year absence, and Barbara Fine tackles the role of the eccentric yet sensible Miss Clairee. Talented local actress BriAnne Greene resonates in the role of the respected and admired M'Lynn, and Amanda Gesme plays her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town.

Director Scott Randall explained, "Every event in their lives, from the mundane to the essential, is faced with grace, strength and perfectly done hair."

Red Curtain Productions is the producing arm of Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts, a newly-formed nonprofit arts education organization located in Marysville. Red Curtain has formed a partnership with the Everett Theatre Group, and "Steel Magnolias" ticket sales will benefit both organizations.

Tickets to "Steel Magnolias" are on sale through Brown Paper Tickets, online at www.brownpapertickets.com or toll-free at 1-800-838-3006. Admission prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and military, and $12 each for groups of 10 or more.

In honor of the nation's emergency responders, a special 2-for-1 ticket offer is available at the door for opening night, September 11, for police, fire and medical personnel. The box office opens one hour prior to showtime for each performance.