Steel Magnolias at Ledbetter Auditorium
Steel Magnolias at Ledbetter Auditorium
The beloved Southern dramedy presented by Watershed Public Theatre runs May 29-June 7
(COLUMBIA, TN) May 22, 2026 – The 2025-26 season for Watershed Public Theatre (WPT) will wrap up with a beloved Southern classic dramedy, Steel Magnolias, which opens May 29 and runs through June 7, 2026. Each play in Watershed Public Theatre's 25-26 season has represented the common theme of strong women, and Steel Magnolias has them in spades. The conversations that abound in the beauty salon move the plot through every emotion imaginable. The play shows time passing in 1980s Chinquapin, Louisiana through a series of moments; some are light, even mundane, while others carry quiet weight. In the two-year timeline, just about every one of life's milestones gets touched by somebody in this tight community.
Audience members may have fond memories of the 1989 film which was written by Robert Harling. The screenplay for Steel Magnolias came from the writer's original stage play, which came from a short story, which served as a way for Harling to process the death of his sister.
According to production director Sarah Tatom, "These women are not defined by tragedy, but by their ability to endure it — and to do so together." To her, the characters represent strength and softness, resilience wrapped in grace.
Salon owner Truvy is played by Sarah Fye. "These women continue to show up to the space that is held for them, the beauty shop," Sarah says. "It seems like a place where women go to pull themselves together, but in this play, we see how they actually fall apart. Truvy’s beauty shop is a place where there are no secrets. She also strives to make it a place where there is no judgement."
The cast for Steel Magnolias features Kay Ayers (M’Lynn) and Deb Meeks (Ouiser), both of whom have appeared in many past WPT productions. Appearing for the first time on the WPT stage are Colby Block (Clairee), Sarah Fye (Truvy), Kelsey Keny (Shelby) and Annie Zander (Annelle).
Continuing the theme of supporting women, WPT is hosting a donation drive for Paula’s Purse, a GFWC of Maury County program that provides purses and feminine hygiene supplies to middle school girls. Those who bring purse-size hand sanitizer, lotion and/or deodorant to donate for Paula’s Purse will receive a $5 discount on tickets purchased at the door.
Performances of Steel Magnolias span across two weekends in Columbia, TN at Columbia State Community College's Ledbetter Auditorium, 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia. The Ledbetter is a space where the spoken word resonates with great warmth and crispness, and the expressions of the actors look profound in the spotlight. Showtimes are at 7pm Friday May 29, Saturday May 30, Friday June 5, and Saturday June 6; 3pm matinee shows will take place on Sunday May 31 and Sunday June 7. Tickets can be purchased online (watershedpublictheatre.org) or at the door.
Mission Statement:
At Watershed Public Theatre, we believe that theatre is the ultimate collaborative art and work to bring together arts professionals, volunteers, students and patrons to share in the illumination that only live performance can provide. We maintain our focus on nurturing community and practicing social and environmental responsibility while striving for the highest quality of artistic and educational experiences.
For more details or to join WPT’s mailing list, visit watershedpublictheatre.org, email info@watershedtheatre.org, call 931-797-6551 or visit the Facebook page: Facebook.com/WatershedTheatre.
