‘Steel Magnolias’ pops up at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre continues its 2013-14 season with a durable play that, when performed well, elicits laughter and tears in roughly equal proportions.
Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” has enjoyed a long life since it became a long-running off-Broadway hit in 1987. It was the basis of a star-laden film in 1989, ran on Broadway in 2005 and became a TV movie with an African-American cast in 2012.
It also has enjoyed a long, apparently never-ending life in regional theaters. The previous professional production locally was at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park.
The play depicts the denizens of a beauty shop in a small town in Louisiana. It’s all about female bonding, and often-discussed male characters are never seen.
The MET production, directed by Marc Liby, features a dynamic cast of veteran actresses along with talented up-and-comers. MET regular Marilyn Lynch will be on hand as well as Peggy Friesen, Licia Watson, Nancy Nail, Stefanie Wienecke and Kenna Hall.
The show runs through May 4. The MET is at 3614 Main St. For more information, call
This story was originally published April 16, 2014 at 8:00 AM with the headline "‘Steel Magnolias’ pops up at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre."