Six local actors will try to bring an endearing Southern story to life as Rome Little Theatre presents “Steel Magnolias.”

The play was written by Robert Harling, about his experiences with the death of his sister. It is the basis of a popular 1989 film featuring an ensemble cast including Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton.

The action centers on Truvy’s beauty parlor and the women who regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby’s wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby’s decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision.

We also get a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouisa; Annelle’s transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town, to a partying woman, then to a religious fundamentalist; and Truvy’s relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother, and Shelby’s medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

RLT’s production stars Leigha Burnham as Truvy, Cameron Abney as Shelby, Dana Williams as M’Lynn, Savannah Ruth as Annelle, Mary Walker as Clairee, Laura Dutton as Ouiser and Danny Price as the voice of the DJ.

“The storyline of the play is exactly the same as the film people are familiar with,” said producer Sandy Davis. “The only difference is that it all takes place in the beauty shop. But we still have all the laughs and drama as the ladies come together each Saturday morning to share their lives.”

Davis said although award-winning actresses portrayed the characters in the film, RLT’s cast has done a good job of making each role her own.

“The director, Wendell Barnes, told them they could watch the movie if they wanted, but warned them not to try to be the actresses,” Davis said. “He said try to be the characters and they’ve certainly done a wonderful job at that. They’ve really stepped out of themselves and become these characters.”

Davis said audiences will laugh more than they’ll cry as, even in the sad times, humor abounds.

“Steel Magnolias” opens Oct. 16, and runs Oct. 17 and 18 as well as Oct. 23, 24 and 25. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. while Sunday shows begin at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Group rates are available. Tickets are available at the box office by calling 706-275-7171 or online at www.romelittletheatre.com as well as at the door on the night of the show.

On Oct 22, RLT presents “Ladies Night Out.” Women are invited to purchase tickets to the show which includes a reception, vendors and door prizes. Proceeds from the event will benefit RLT, The History DeSoto Theatre Foundation as well as the Magnolia Foundation, which was formed to benefit under-served women through the Floyd County Health Department Free Clinic.

Tickets for the event are $25 and includes, wine and snacks as well as the show. Tickets are available at the RLT Web site or by calling the box office. Advance purchases are strongly recommended. Ladies Night Out begins at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the DeSoto Theatre.