Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman The cast of Alpena Civic Theatre’s “Steel Magnolias” poses at rehearsal. Pictured, from left, are Sara Kwiatek as Ouiser Boudreaux, Jessica Luther as Clairee Belcher, Olivia Martin as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, Carol Rundell as M’Lynn Eatenton, Katie Hubbard-Haines as Truvy Jones, and Isabel Luther as Annelle Depuy-DeSoto.

ALPENA — “Steel Magnolias” tells a hilarious yet heartwarming story of the deep bonds of female friendship, the inevitable ups and downs of life, and remaining together through thick and thin.

The Alpena Civic Theatre production continues this Thursday through Sunday, providing audiences with a glimpse into the lives of six women, all based in a beauty salon in the 1980s in the small Louisiana town of Chinquapin Parish.

The comedy-drama, written by Robert Harling, first came out in 1987. Harling also wrote the screenplay for the 1989 film starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, and Olympia Dukakis.

Directed by Bill Powell and Lucas Moquin, “Steel Magnolias” features a cast of talented local actresses who all stepped into their roles so beautifully that you feel like you’re peeking into a real 1980s beauty shop and getting so many truth bombs and witty one-liners that it feels completely genuine.

M’Lynn Eatenton (Carol Rundell) is the mother of bride-to-be Shelby Eatenton (Olivia Martin), and as salon owner and friend Truvy Jones (Katie Hubbard-Haines) styles the women’s hair for the wedding, they welcome assistance from young beautician Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Isabel Luther). The upbeat Clairee Belcher (Jessica Luther) is the widow of the former mayor, with plenty of money at her disposal. Diabetic Shelby has a health scare, which is averted, but could affect her hopes of having children. Ouiser Boudreaux (Sara Kwiatek) makes her prickly presence known with a dramatic entrance into the shop, then immediately begins interrogating the mild-mannered Annelle about who she is and why she’s there. As time moves on, the women and their friends encounter both tragedy and success, and their friendships grow stronger through it all.

“Steel Magnolias” will have you laughing, wondering what might happen next in the lives of these strong Southern women. But it will likely bring tears to your eyes, so be prepared for a wide range of emotions.

Kwiatek is a newcomer to the stage, but she takes charge of her role as Ouiser, a high-energy sarcastic grump with a chip on her shoulder. She may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she’s the kind of friend you want in your corner when things go sideways. In other words, she may talk smack, but she’ll have your back. She delivers a host of one-liners that will catch your funny bone off guard, and it’s almost scary how good she is at disgruntled outbursts.

Isabel Luther embodies the role of Annelle with grace and class. The reserved, mysterious young woman is on a journey to find out who she is, surrounded by a group of quirky but supportive women. Annelle is a devout Christian, and gently reminds the others that God is listening, but they remind her back that they are on their own journeys. Basically, the ladies agree to disagree, and carry on as friends even though they are all so different.

The dynamic between Rundell as M’Lynn Eatenton, and Olivia Martin as her daughter Shelby, is palpable and moving. They interact as only a mother and daughter can, applying brutal honesty out of unconditional love. Both actors do a tremendous job evoking emotion during poignant moments, and it’s truly touching to watch.

Jessica Luther brings a spark of fun energy as Clairee Belcher, who has plenty of wit to go around. She’s got opinions, and she doesn’t state them as rudely as Ouiser, but she will be heard when she’s good and ready to talk.

Hubbard-Haines, in just her second play ever, proves her talent and range as Truvy, the salon owner who keeps her crew together, no matter what comes their way. As the owner, she knows all the gossip, and certainly doesn’t keep it to herself. That would obviously be uncalled for.

These talented local women bring a touching and real story to life in a way that will bring joy to your heart and tears to your eyes. If you haven’t seen “Steel Magnolias” yet, you don’t want to miss out.

In addition to playing M’Lynn Eatenton, Rundell is producer; Dani Ayotte is stage manager, assisted by Fallon Gandulla-Ghekiere; Jay Kettler is lighting designer; Andrew MacNeill is sound designer; Bryan Ghekiere is light and sound technician; MaryAnn Crawford is costume designer, assisted by Virginia Hulsey and Jackie Herbert; Nancy Clark is hair stylist/instructor; Set design and construction was done by Jason Luther, Moquin, Michael Daugul, and Powell; Bryan Ghekiere painted the set; and Bronwyn Woolman is photographer.

For tickets, call 989-354-3624 or visit ACT at 401 River St., Alpena. Adult tickets are $20. College students with a valid ID get in for $15, and student tickets (elementary through high school) are $10 per seat.