As a child of the south, I resent empty-headed caricatures with southern drawls and beer bellies. The well-written characters who patronize a Louisiana beauty salon are far from empty-headed in Red Curtain Productions' presentation of "Steel Magnolias," currently playing at the Historic Everett Theatre. The show runs through September 27.

Clairee (Barbara Fine) and Ouiser (Sherry Penoyer) joust as only long-time friends can do, verbally sparring with well-worn agility. Penoyer, a familiar face to Everett theater-goers for years, has been on a 9-year hiatus, and she returns to the stage with a vengeance as the ill-tempered Ouiser. Fine matches Penoyer's high-energy delivery with laid-back southern charm and humor, a perfect foil for her confessed best friend.

Sam Samano's generous spirit embodies Truvy, the salon owner, as she acts as a neighborhood sounding board, cheerleader and personal counselor. Truvy yearns for passion in her own life and appreciates its presence in the lives of others. Samano is so natural on stage one would think she'd been "doing hair" all her life.

Diane Kenley is awkward and endearing as Annelle, the new girl in town. Her transformation from a trembling mess to a self-confident mother-to-be is interesting to watch, and she delivers some of the best lines of the show. Asked to check on Ouiser's nervous dog, which has lost its hair, she reports, "He looks good. His skin's real pink."

M'lynn Eatenton, brilliantly portrayed by Mukilteo resident BriAnne Green, is a mother who tries to protect her diabetic daughter, even if young Shelby doesn't always want the protection. A genuine southern lady, M'lynn hides her emotions beneath a façade of reserved dignity, with cracks just beginning to show around the edges. Green owns the last scene of the show with one of the most honest, heart-wrenching emotional breakdowns in memory. Bring your tissues.

Then there's the sweet and sassy Shelby, played by Amanda Gesme. Shelby's love of life and concern for others is evident throughout the story, and her determination to have a normal life in spite of her medical condition makes her a strong young woman. Gesme's southern accent is the most natural of all the Magnolias, with a sing-song quality that makes her all the more lovable.

Director Scott B. Randall has crafted a memorable version of this beloved show, taking full advantage of the humor that permeates throughout the script while honoring the pain and raw emotions of a tragic loss. Although Red Curtain Productions is a new company, it's evident from the quality of the show that there's a boatload of talent and experience associated with it.

Mike Olson's set is designed to take advantage of the Everett Theatre's deep but rather narrow stage, providing a realistic reproduction of a carport-turned-beauty salon. Other technical aspects of the production, from costuming to lights and sound, support the quality of the story without overpowering it. Asa Sholdez provides the voice of the local radio station, adding to the overall experience without ever stepping foot on stage.

"Steel Magnolias" is a familiar tale to many moviegoers, thanks to the 1980s film starring Dolly Parton and Sally Field. But give this local production of the stage play a try. You may be surprised to find new gems hidden in its pages.

"Steel Magnolias" offers three more shows this weekend at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby in downtown Everett. Friday and Saturday shows, Sept. 24 and 25, are at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets, which are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military personnel, are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-866-838-3006. Tickets are also on sale at the door, beginning one hour before showtime.