That’s just one of the snappy lines in Prince Edward Community Theatre’s production of Steel Magnolias, a lively and warm production of the play by Robert Harling.

A stage-theatre favourite, Steel Magnolias was made into film with Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Sally Field and Shirley MacLean in 1989. It features the friendships of six “southern belles” — delicate on the outside, but strong enough on the inside to weather any challenge. Resilient women  are steel magnolias. The play, which is funny and lively and a bit sad, foregrounds family relationships and the complexities of life. 

“The play has a lot to do with life cycles, the change of the seasons, opportunities for opening and closing for different characters, whether that be romantic or friendships, everything is changing scene by scene,” notes first-time director Bailey Mulridge, a member of PECT since 2015. “Nothing is the same moment by moment.” 

The play is a great showcase for local talent. The production features PECT regulars Lori Farrington as Clairee, Cheryl Singer as Truvy Jones, Lynne Donovan as M’Lynn, and Jen Sills as Ouiser. Newcomers Kat Burns and Emma Woodman play Annelle and Shelby, respectively.

The story concerns Shelby’s upcoming wedding and her life-threatening Type 1 diabetes, but focuses most on the underlying friendships of all six characters. How they cope with conflict and loss takes center stage. Humour is a way of contending with the sadness and the seriousness of underlying situations.

“Everyone can find something in each one of the characters,” Ms. Mulridge notes. 

Evening shows at 7:30 on Wednesday 9 April, Friday 11 April and Saturday 12 April. Sunday matinees are sold out. 

All shows at Mt. Tabor Playhouse, 2179 County Road 17, Milford. Tickets are available at the PECT website.