Directed by Karen Carpenter, Robert Harling's bittersweet comedy will run through April 6 with an official opening scheduled for March 9 at 7:30 PM. The cast will boast Kelly Bishop (Clairee Belcher), Charlotte Booker (Truvy Jones), Beth Fowler (Ouiser Boudreaux), Monique Fowler (M'Lynn Eatenton), Kelly Sullivan (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie) and Kate Wetherhead (Annelle Dupuy-Desoto).

Steel Magnolias, according to press notes, is set in "Truvy's beauty salon, [where] six very different women come together to share their secrets and bare their souls, throwing in a little neighborly gossip for good measure. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they weather every event in their lives en masse with grace, determination, and perfectly coifed hair. When tragedy strikes, it is in the familiar comfort of Truvy's salon where they seek the solace and support that carries them through."

The production will feature scenic design by Hugh Landwehr, costume design by David Murin, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, hair and wig design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer and sound design by Randy Hansen. The production stage manager is Brian Meister.

Paper Mill Playhouse is located on Brookside Drive in Millburn, NJ. Tickets, priced $25-$92, are available by calling (973)376-4343 or by visiting www.papermill.org.