Excelsior Springs, Mo. — Slightly Off Broadway Theatre will opened its 2026 season on Jan. 30 with “Steel Magnolias,” a story centered on six women whose lives intertwine in a small-town beauty salon.
Written by Robert Harling, the play follows a tight-knit group who gather around hair appointments and hard conversations, trading humor and honesty as they face the joys and sorrows life brings. In materials provided by the theatre, the work is described as having begun as a short story written to help explain a family loss, later evolving into a stage play and eventually a film adaptation.
Director David Shewell said the show has long been personal for him, and marks a return to a production he previously directed in 2012.
“The first time I directed the show, my wife was pregnant with our first child, and we were both nervous about it,” Shewell said. “Our daughter was born 4 days after the show ended, and I am excited that my daughter will have the opportunity to see the show now.”
A salon, a circle of friends, and an “all-star cast”
Shewell described the cast as an “all-star” lineup, led by Truvy Jones, the salon owner, portrayed by Amanda Day of Excelsior Springs.
“Truvy is a safe space,” Day said. “Not only in her environment but also in her relationships. She is there to celebrate your highs and to help you through you lows. If you’re broken, angry or hurt, she will provide comfort, but she will also tell you the truth even if it’s hard to hear.”
Truvy’s assistant, Annelle Dupuy, is portrayed by Skyla Booth of Kearney.
“Steel Magnolias has always been a very special story to me,” Booth said. “To get the opportunity to tell that story of real women with such an amazing cast of real women has been unforgettable.”
At the heart of the story is the Eatenton family. M’Lynn, the family’s matriarch, is portrayed by Katherine Shewell of Excelsior Springs.
“I’ve always loved Steel Magnolias since I was younger,” she said. “Now, as a mom, I can really feel how devastating it would be to have to bury a child.”
Shelby Eatenton, M’Lynn’s daughter, is portrayed by Kylie Hamilton of Richmond, who returns to the stage after a six-year absence.
“When I saw that SOBT would be producing Steel Magnolias, I knew it was the universe telling me it was time to get back onto the stage,” Hamilton said. “Creating art together with other members of the community is such a gift.”
Tara Watson of Lawson portrays Clairee Belcher, the former mayor’s wife and a devoted football fan.
“Clairee is so much like me,” Watson said. “She’s lived a full life, but is still chasing new experiences. She’s a widow rediscovering who she is.”
Rounding out the group is Ouiser Boudreaux, portrayed by Kristi Shewell of Excelsior Springs.
“Ouiser is my kindred spirit,” she said. “I love how she’s snarky and high-spirited, yet gentle and kind to those she truly cares about.”
A small theatre, a longtime bond
Shewell credited the cast’s work and chemistry, noting that a smaller, non-professional theatre often means performers have known one another for years, which can translate into a natural connection on stage.
“I chose this cast because I believe that they could bring the characters to life, and they have done exactly that,” he said.
Cast members said audiences can expect both comedy and emotional moments, with themes they believe still resonate.
“Now more than ever we need to be reminded how much we need each other,” Day said. “It is a reflection of what the world can be when we support each other, even when we don’t get along, or we want different things.”
“It’s a great cast who will bring both lots of laughter and some tears as well,” Katherine Shewell said.
“People should come see this show because it is all the humor and all the heart that they know from the film,” Booth said. “The situations and trials these women go through continue to be relevant today and everyone will be able to find something to relate to.”
Tickets
“Steel Magnolias” opens Jan. 30 and runs three weekends (Jan. 30–31 and Feb. 6–8 and Feb. 13–15), with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 3:30 p.m. at Slightly Off Broadway Theatre, 114 N. Marietta St. in Excelsior Springs.
Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for youth, with $15 member tickets and $14 group tickets for parties of 10 or more. Reservations can be made by calling 816-637-3728 or online at sobtheatre.org.
Season tickets are also available (pick five shows for $70), and gift certificates are available; the 2026 season lineup continues with “A Fate Worse Than Death” in March, “Murder on the Orient Express” in late April and May, “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” in July, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” in September, and an Annual Christmas Show in December.
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