It’s a New Year and that means a fresh batch of shows are incoming from the Malvern-based theater, People’s Light. First up in 2026 is the staging of Robert Harling’s ‘Steel Magnolias’, which is set to run from Jan. 14 through Feb. 15 at the award-winning arts venue.
The popular story, which first premiered in 1987 — and went on to become a film and TV show — follows a tight-knit group of women while they maneuver the ups and downs of life in a beauty shop in small-town Chinquapin, Louisiana. According to a release, the cast is composed almost entirely of People’s Light company artists, many of whom have performed together on stage for years—in fact, director Abigail Adams has collaborated with most of her cast for a large portion of her career.
“I’ve known [castmembers] Janis and Marcia for nearly 50 years, Susan for close to 40, Claire for more than 20, and Teri for 14,” says Adams. “Over all those years, the number of plays we’ve made together is too numerous to count. Like Truvy’s beauty shop, we’ve created a community of trust and care.”
Adams continues: “Tempers will flare, tears will be shed, and intentions will be misunderstood, just as in life. But there is, and always has been, so much laughter. Laughter saves us. This play reminds us how hard life can be — birth is hard, death is hard, everything in between is hard — but when we are nourished by our relationships, what’s hard becomes bearable and, sometimes, even joyful.”
The show’s run will feature a few dates to look out for, including a Relaxed Performance on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. On this date, the experience will feature audio description, American Sign Language interpretation (provided by Hands UP Productions) and a pre-show sensory tour at 1 p.m., where guests can interact with the set and prop elements and ask questions (free with RSVP to diiorio@peopleslight.org). People’s Light notes that this inclusive performance offers a “shush-free” environment where audience members are free to move around, vocalize, or step out and return as needed.
Open captioning will also be available with dialogue on an LED screen for every performance from Feb. 10 to 15. Additionally, visitors can head to events dubbed AfterWORDS featuring post-show discussions with People’s Light staff and occasional cast or creative guests every Thursday night during the show’s run.
“The women you see in Truvy’s shop aren’t just playing a community… they are one,” Managing Director Shonali Burke finishes. “It’s where women gather not just to tend to their hair, but to their spirit. Robert Harling’s 'Steel Magnolias' invites us into a sanctuary where humor and heartbreak finishes. This production reflects what theatre at People’s Light does best: remind us that resilience is often built from laughter, shared stories, and showing up for each other when it matters most.”
Groups of 10 or more can receive 15 to 25% discounts, plus custom benefits by calling 610-647-1900, Ext. 111, or emailing groupsales@peopleslight.org. There will also be two $30 access dates on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. For more information on this production, additional programming, news and events, visit peopleslight.org.
