The Abbey Players’ production of “Steel Magnolias,” directed by Dianne Moss, opened to a packed house during its Patron’s Night, held on February 24.

Each Abbey play opens to a Patron’s Night, a fun-filled night which consists of dinner, drink, dessert, and a play ticket. Contrary to belief, there is no set list for Patron’s Night. Tickets for this night cost $35.

I was incredibly impressed with the sheer talent of the six women who performed in this production. Sanra Cormier, Laurie Hayes, Jenny Felder, Anna Edwards, Patricia Townsdin, and Patsy Hebert gave life to their respective characters, Truvy, Annelle, Clairee, Shelby, M’Lynn, and Ouiser.

During the two-act comedy/ drama, the actresses managed to do something most critical to theatre- they portrayed these characters so realistically that time was suspended and I was transfixed in the action.

Emotions ran the gamut during the play, as it had the audience in stitches during the majority of the performance. Townsdin’s last scene performance brought the audience to tears. At the end of the play, the actresses received a well-deserved standing ovation.

“Steel Magnolias” will be showing each Friday and Saturday until March 31. A matinee will be held on Sunday, March 18. Tickets for these performances are $15. Tickets can be purchased at abbeyplayers.com.