Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Few stories capture the joy, heartbreak, and sheer fabulous resilience of Southern womanhood quite like Steel Magnolias. Now, Atlanta audiences are in for a treat as Saint Mark Drama Ministry brings this beloved classic back to the stage with a production that’s equal parts hairspray, humor, and heart.
Running across two weekends—September 12–14 and 19–21—this fresh take on Robert Harling’s iconic play is directed by Mike Beecham and staged at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Midtown. And while the performances promise the big laughs and tearjerker moments, we all know and love, this Steel Magnolias comes with a distinctly Atlanta twist: it’s rooted in community, resilience, and service.
A Story That Hits Home in Atlanta
Set in a Louisiana beauty salon, Steel Magnolias is a tale of six unforgettable women whose lives intertwine through gossip, grief, and gallons of Aquanet. Their wit is razor-sharp, their loyalty unshakable, and their determination stronger than steel. Sound familiar? That’s because their story echoes the women—and chosen families—who’ve long defined Atlanta’s own queer and Southern spirit.
From Buckhead to Virginia-Highland, Atlanta has always been a city where tradition meets transformation. These characters embody that mix, standing tall in the face of heartbreak while serving plenty of side-eye and sweetness along the way. “Atlanta audiences are in for something truly special,” says Director Mike Beecham. “This production captures everything we love about Southern storytelling—the laughter that heals, the tears that cleanse, and the friendships that sustain us through everything life throws our way.”
More Than Theater: Giving Back with Style
What makes this staging even more impactful is its mission. A portion of the show’s proceeds will benefit Saint Mark’s Tuesday Supper Club and Saturday Breakfast Club, programs that provide free, nutritious meals for Atlanta’s unhoused residents. In true Steel Magnolias fashion, the production isn’t just about telling stories of care and compassion—it’s about living them.
So when you buy a ticket, you’re not just supporting local theater. You’re helping feed neighbors, provide safe community spaces, and extend a hand to those who need it most. That’s the kind of solidarity our queer and allied community knows well: finding strength in togetherness.
Sponsored with a Dash of Glam
And because Steel Magnolias wouldn’t be Steel Magnolias without some serious style, Steve Hightower Salon and Spa is sponsoring the production. That means audiences can expect authentic salon flair to bring Truvy’s world to life—complete with the blowouts, banter, and bouffants that keep the story sparkling.
Why Queer Audiences Will Love It
For LGBTQ+ audiences, Steel Magnolias has always been a touchstone. It’s about chosen family, resilience in the face of loss, and the way laughter becomes medicine in tough times. It’s campy, heartfelt, and deeply Southern—all qualities that resonate with queer life in Atlanta. The story reminds us that strength comes in many forms, and often, it’s the friendships forged in everyday spaces (yes, even a beauty shop) that carry us through the hardest seasons.
Don’t Miss This Southern Classic
So grab your tissues, your besties, and maybe a little waterproof mascara—because Steel Magnolias at Saint Mark Drama Ministry is set to be a night of belly laughs, ugly cries, and big-hearted Southern storytelling. This is theater that feeds your soul while feeding your community. Because in the South—and especially in Atlanta—the strongest steel is always found in community, compassion, and the friendships that last a lifetime.
Performance Details
- What: Steel Magnolias
- Where: Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Atlanta
- When: September 12–14 and 19–21, 2024
- Times: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM
- Tickets: Get yours here
- Special Note: Proceeds benefit Tuesday Supper Club & Saturday Breakfast Club ministries