Magnolias are blooming early this year in Swarthmore. Steel Magnolias, that is – at The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater. It's the story of six ladies who find companionship and conversation in a small-town Louisiana beauty parlor.

Audience members who expect a patronizing, backward look at vanishing graciousness are in for a big surprise. There’s nothing outmoded about the fortitude of these Southern belles. Their wit is both wicked and winsome; but it's their friendship that will truly “steel” hearts.

Co-directors Bruce and Millie Nutting have brought together some of the region's most talented women to populate Truvy's salon: Nancy Bennett of Bryn Mawr, Joan Bickel of Aldan, Amie Lytle of Philadelphia, Bernadette Langdon of West Chester, Cait O'Driscoll of Norristown and Mary Jane Zimmerman of Oxford.

To tie in with the theme of the show, and for a bit of added fun, The Players Club of Swarthmore will be raffling off a “Basket of Beauty” donated by Salon Voci of Folsom. Anyone interested in purchasing raffle tickets should see the House Manager either before the show or at intermission. And at the Easter Sunday matinée, one lucky audience member will win a subscription for next season.

Steel Magnolias runs March 13-16, 20-23 and 27-29. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and Sunday matinées (including Easter Sunday) are at 2pm. The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater is located just minutes from the Blue Route and I-95 at 614 Fairview Avenue in Swarthmore. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students (18 and under or college students with ID). All tickets and ticket packages are available at the box office, or may be purchased in advance by visiting www.pcstheater.org or calling 1-866-811-4111 (ticket sales through TheaterMania). For Info or Group Sales: 610-328-4271.