Photo Flash: Wayside Theatre's STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker announced today the performance of Steel Magnolias is the third production of Wayside Theatre's 50th Golden Anniversary Season. The comedy-drama was written by the late playwright, Robert Harling. Steel Magnolias begins performances on August 27 and closes on September 24. Corporate Sponsors are Q102 Clear Channel, CCW, Inc and WVPT Your Source for PBS and More!

Artistic Director, Warner Crocker, said, "Steel Magnolias tells the story of the ladies who gather at Trudy's Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana to have their hair done. The story covers several years in the life of these women and the events such as illnesses, marriages, babies and death. The women are witty, intelligent and strong southern women who can handle anything.

According to Crocker, "We have an exciting group of performers returning for our 50th Season. They are part of the Wayside Theatre family and patron favorites." They are veteran actors Ilona Dulaski (The Nerd, All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten, Blithe Spirit, On Golden Pond, and Steel Magnolias), Tracey Copeland (Sunshine Boys, and Steel Magnolias), Sara Melinda (Honk! and The Importance of Being Earnest), Faith Potts (Gin Game, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Grace & Glorie, Foxfire, Barefoot in the Park), Dana Colagiovanni (The Nerd, Reunion, A Musical Epic in Miniature) and newcomer Emelie Faith Thompson.

The production is directed by William Diggle. The set is designed by Heather Reid, Light Design by Wes Calkin, Sound design by Steve Przybylski, and Costumes designed by Tamara M. Carruthers.

Steel Magnolias begins performances with low priced previews at 2:30pm and 8:00pm on Saturday, August 27. The official Opening Night is Sunday, August 28 at 6:30pm. Several Performances are sold out. Performances will continue through August 13th. Ticket prices are $25 to $30 dollars for adults. Ticket price for children 17 years and under is $10 for any show. Senior and Student discounts are available upon request, as well as group discounts. Wayside Theatre also sells discounted subscriptions for the entire season with options that fit any budget and any schedule.

Performances each week for Steel Magnolias will be Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00pm

Wayside Theatre is the second oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating its 50th Golden Anniversary season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment. Patrons can obtain single tickets, subscription packages, and group packages by calling the Box Office at

Additional information can be obtained by calling (540) 869-1776 or by visiting: www.waysidetheatre.org.

Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.

Photo Credit: Westervelt