Steel Magnolias at the Wilson Feb. 18-21

The Wilson Performing Arts Center is staging a popular and heartfelt show for audiences this week.

“Steel Magnolias” hits the stage with performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 19, and 20, and at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. According to the show’s director, Nathaniel Adkins, the play centers on Truvy Jones who runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, La. Along with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of many of the women about town: wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux, intelligent and compassionate career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town.

Adkins, who lives in Red Oak, said that the positive experience he had the last time made him want to stage it again for audiences in the area.

“I directed the show back when I lived in Knoxville, and everyone, including the cast, the audience,  and myself, had a wonderful time,” Adkins said. “I wanted to bring a similar experience to the WPAC.  I love the relationship between the characters in the show, the witty banter, and how the show manages to be incredibly funny and still carry some serious dramatic heft at the same time.”

He hopes that in addition to having an enjoyable and entertaining evening in the community, the audience will be reminded of the importance of living life. 

The cast of the show is made up of Red Oak actresses, including Leah Mensen, Kristi Potts, Teresa LeRette, Allison Adams, Kari Edie and Julie Rubey.

Adkins said everyone has been working hard to make it a great production.