Steel Magnolias: A Story That Lives Here

“I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free," famously declares Ouiser Boudreaux from Truvy Jones’ beauty shop chair in the 1989 movie Steel Magnolias.

We disagree.

This spring, Steel Magnolias arrives at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Through conversation, humor and shared loss, the play explores the bonds among six women whose relationships power the story. Its focus on friendship, community and the resilience those connections provide drives the performance, but also hints at how high-quality local theater can strengthen community bonds.

Produced in-house by the Lone Tree Arts Center, Steel Magnolias features an entirely Colorado-based cast. The stage version is intimate, set entirely inside Truvy’s beauty shop, and strips the story down to its emotional core, allowing audiences to experience the essence of relationships in real time. Without shifting locations or cinematic shortcuts, the play relies on performance, timing and connection to carry the story forward.

For Director Marisa D. Hebert, a Colorado native contracted to lead the production, the play’s strength lies in its emotional honesty. “At its core, the play is about love and friendship,” Hebert says. “It is about women who show up for one another through every season of life.” That perspective has guided the creative vision, shaping a production rooted in authenticity rather than nostalgia.

The decision to include Steel Magnolias in the 2026 season reflects the Lone Tree Arts Center’s broader commitment to professional regional theater. In-house productions are developed to the same professional standards as major regional stages, with professional creative teams, union actors and a production infrastructure designed to support high-caliber work. Many performers who appear on the Lone Tree stage also work at other theaters like the DCPA, reinforcing the center’s reputation as a destination for professional live performance.

Marcus Turner, the Arts Center’s Associate Executive Director, emphasizes that the goal is consistent quality. “We want every show to feel polished and professional,” Turner says. “That includes the set, the costumes and, most importantly, the performers.” Audiences should know that when they come here, they’re going to see work that meets a very high standard.”

That standard is reflected in the casting of Steel Magnolias. The production draws performers from across the Denver Metro area and Colorado Springs. Among the cast are Billie McBride as Ouiser Boudreaux and Sheryl McCallum as Clairee Belcher, performers Hebert calls “matriarchs of the Colorado theater community.” Their extensive experience grounds the production by bringing depth and confidence to the stage.

They are joined by emerging performers like Heidi Carann Snider as Annelle Dupuy Desoto and Erika Mori as Shelby Eatenton Latcherie. The combination of experience and emerging talent creates a dynamic and layered performance. “It bridges generations,” Hebert says. “You have artists who helped build the foundation of theater in this state working alongside those who are carrying it forward. That collaboration becomes part of what the audience feels.”

Much like the wisdom divined from generation to generation in Truvy’s shop.

Despite Steel Magnolias southern setting, the Lone Tree production emphasizes universal experiences. The focus on family bonds, lifelong friendships and the rituals that hold communities together allows audiences to recognize themselves not in accents or setting, but in the emotional truth of the performance.

That emotional accessibility required from the performers is supported by a high level of craftsmanship. From set construction to costume design, every element reflects the Arts Center’s attention to excellence. Turner notes that this expectation applies across all programming. “Whether it’s a touring artist or a home-produced show like Steel Magnolias, our goal is always to create something visually compelling and emotionally engaging.”

Accessibility remains a defining feature of the experience. For many patrons, attending a performance at Lone Tree offers the ease of a local venue without sacrificing quality. And you don’t have the struggle of finding a parking spot downtown. That balance encourages repeat visits and lasting relationships between patrons and the arts center.

Beyond the stage, the Arts Center plays a significant role in the regional economy. According to Turner, the arts generate approximately $3.12 billion in economic activity across seven Front Range counties. “Every show has ripple effects,” he says. “When people come to see a performance, they also support nearby restaurants, hotels and local businesses.”

In that sense, when the curtain rises on Steel Magnolias, it will represent more than a single production. It reflects an approach to theater that values collaboration, excellence and community connection, demonstrating how stories, when produced with care and professionalism, can resonate well beyond the stage.

As Hebert puts it, “This is not just a show people are coming to see. It is something we are building and sharing as a community together.”