Contact: House Manager Eric Garneau, (847) 718-4071, <[email protected]>

PHOTO OP: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 4 p.m.  BGHS Miller Theater

The classic comedic drama of the power of friendship, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, takes the Buffalo Grove High School stage Oct. 16-18.  Thursday’s performance is at 7 p.m.; the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Friday andSaturday.

A group of strong and distinctly different Southern belles regularly meets at Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in small town Louisiana, where the ladies share their secrets, encourage one another, and engage in a little neighborhood gossip.  The proprietor, tell-it-like-it-is Truvy, is played by senior Liza Shapin of Buffalo Grove, who dishes out advice and wisecracks, along with a shampoo and set.  The story centers on Shelby, played by junior Lena Conlon of Arlington Heights, whose life rapidly progresses from wedding to pregnancy to medical complications, which she bravely faces with a love of life.  The ladies draw strength from one another and get through the good and bad times, all with perfectly coiffed hair.

Other cast members include senior Mary Hussey (“Annelle”) of Arlington Heights, senior Lia Rose Frykman(“Miss Clairee”) of Buffalo Grove, senior Aura Ciungan (“M’Lynn”) of Arlington Heights, and senior Jesse Brooks (“Ouiser”) of Arlington Heights.

The play is directed by Elizabeth Wells; scenic designer/technical director is Ed Moon; costume and make-up coordinator is Debbie Andres; and house manager/publicist is Eric Garneau.  Student assistant directors are Dylan DeWitt, Cole Festenstein and Camilla Rier.

Tickets are $5; all seating is general admission.  Tickets are available at the door.  The box office opens 30 minutes before curtain time.  Cash and checks are both accepted.  For more information, call (847) 718-4071 or email the house manager at [email protected].