Renton Civic Theatre Stages 'Steel Magnolias' This Weekend

The Southern comedy drama about friendship and resilience opens on April 10.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:55am

A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring jagged black silhouettes of several women against a high-contrast background of deep red and bright white, conceptually representing the close-knit group of characters in the play 'Steel Magnolias'.The Renton Civic Theatre's production of the classic Southern drama 'Steel Magnolias' celebrates the unbreakable bonds of female friendship.Renton Today

Renton Civic Theatre is bringing the beloved play 'Steel Magnolias' to the stage, with opening night set for this Friday, April 10. The production, directed by Karen Cody, will run through April 26 and follows a close-knit group of women navigating life's challenges together in a small Louisiana beauty salon.

Why it matters

As a well-known and beloved story about the power of female friendship, 'Steel Magnolias' is an important addition to Renton's local theater offerings. The play's themes of love, loss, and resilience resonate with audiences, making it a popular choice for community theaters across the country.

The details

The Renton Civic Theatre production features a cast including Lisa Stromme Warren as Truvy, Eleanor Withrow as M'Lynn, Gemma Kealy as Shelby, Jordan Ahlers as Annelle, Mary Guthrie as Clairee, and Kiki Werner as Ouiser. Vanessa Gardner will serve as the swing. The production team includes lighting designer Jacob Viramontes, stage manager Kate Holland, costume designer Rachel Brinn, and production manager Tiffany Gardner.

  • The opening performance is on April 10, 2026.
  • An industry night is scheduled for April 20, 2026.
  • The closing performance is on April 26, 2026.

The players

Renton Civic Theatre

A community theater located in Renton, Washington that produces a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

Robert Harling

The playwright who wrote the original 'Steel Magnolias' play.

Karen Cody

The director of the Renton Civic Theatre production of 'Steel Magnolias'.

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What’s next

Tickets for the Renton Civic Theatre production of 'Steel Magnolias' are on sale now. The show is expected to be a popular draw for the local community, so early ticket purchases are recommended.

The takeaway

Renton Civic Theatre's production of the classic 'Steel Magnolias' promises to be a heartwarming and entertaining experience for theatergoers, showcasing the power of female friendship and resilience.