Gossip Girls

Everybody's familiar with the weep-fest film Steel Magnolias. However, most folks don't realize that it began its legacy as an off-Broadway play back in 1987. This disease-oriented chick flick has everything you could ever want in a film, including female bonding, home cooking, headstrong ladies that live by their own rules and much more. And now this epic comedy-drama is back where it belongs: the stage. The prestigious Casa Mañana theater, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth, is "bringing on the heartache" with an all-star cast including the one and only Sally Struthers. This heart-wrenching and at times hilarious tale of a Southern woman—who decides to have a baby despite her scorching case of diabetes—and her gossipy elders will move even the most jaded theatergoer. Since I was born in Shreveport (near where this tale is set), Steel Magnolias holds a special place in my heart. Granted, it's no Fried Green Tomatoes, but still...So, dear reader, if you long for the simple country life where the women are strong and the men are kind of "just there," get down to Casa Mañana and witness some Southern magic. The show runs through February 17. Call 817-332-2272 or visit casamanana.org for more details.
Feb. 12-17, 2008