At the close, the Robert Harling play, directed by Jason Moore, will have played 23 previews and 136 regular performances. It was the play's Broadway debut, following a rich life that began in the late 1980s Off-Broadway.

A touring production of Steel Magnolias will launch in the 2007-2008 season.

The production stars Delta Burke as Truvy, Christine Ebersole as M'Lynn, Rebecca Gayheart as Shelby, Marsha Mason as Ouiser, Lily Rabe as Annelle and Frances Sternhagen as Clairee.

Steel Magnolias is currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th Street, east of Broadway. Previews began March 15 and the official opening date was April 4.

The play "follows the lives of six indomitable Southern women as they share their personal triumphs, tragedies, beauty tips, recipes, and more than the occasional piece of scandalous gossip in Truvy's beauty shop in Chinquapin, Louisiana."

Set design is by Anna Louizos, costume design is by David Murin, lighting design is by Howell Binkley, sound design by Ken Travis and hair design is by Bobby H. Grayson.

Steel Magnolias is produced on Broadway by Roy Gabay, Robyn Goodman, Danzansky Partners, Ergo Entertainment, Ruth Hendel, Sharon Karmazin, Susan Dietz/Ina Meibach, Michael Galvis/Billy Huddleston, and Elsa Daspin Suisman/Martha R. Gasparian.

Tickets are on sale through Telecharge.com online and by phone at (212) 239-6200, and in person at the Lyceum Theatre box office.

Visit www.SteelMagnoliasBroadway.com.