REHEARSING SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY — During early rehearsals for the upcoming performance of “Steel Magnolias,” Heather Deerfield and Sadie Crow Varlas, front, and Jana Schodzinski, back, practiced becoming M’Lynn, Shelby and Annelle, respectively. The show will run at the Brooke Hills Playhouse May 30-June 1 and June 6-8. -- Contributed

WELLSBURG — Brooke Hills Playhouse will open its 54th season with Robert Harling’s Southern classic “Steel Magnolias.”

Performance dates will include 7 p.m. on May 30-31; 2 p.m. on June 1; 7 p.m. June 6-7; and 2 p.m. June 8.

As the title suggests, the “female characters are as delicate as magnolias, but as tough as steel.”

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. The salon is where all the ladies who are “anybody” go to have their hair done.

Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, who is not sure whether or not she is married, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice. Among those she gives her advice to are the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, who cites, “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years;” Miss Claree, an eccentric millionaire who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is “the prettiest girl in town,” and about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Cassandra Majetich of Toronto, assembled an ensemble of local actresses to portray the bond that exists among a group of Southern women, organizers announced. Majetich will portray the role of Truvy, in addition to directing. Cast as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto will be Jana Schodzinski from Wheeling. Cathy Brooks of Wheeling will play Clairee Belcher. The role of Ouiser Bourdeax will be played by Niccole Welch of Wellsburg. Sadie Crow Varlas of Wheeling will portray Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie. Heather Deerfield of Weirton has been cast as M’Lynn Eatenton.

Municipal Mutual Insurance Co. and Chambers and James Funeral Homes are this season’s sponsors. Season passes are still available and can be purchased at the box office or by sending a check to: BCAC, P.O. Box 186, Wellsburg, W.Va. 26070. The cost for a season pass will be $58 for adults, $50 for seniors and students and $42 for children. A season pass will allow holders to see five performances for the price of four, officials stated. Single ticket prices for “Steel Magnolias” will be $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $10 for children. Reservations can be made by texting (304) 737-3344.